The Missouri PersecutionsRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
History
The Missouri Persecutions
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saints -- Missouri -- History -- 19th century
We do not contend that we have the least right under the constitution
and laws of the country to expel them by force. But we would indeed
be blind, if we did not foresee that the first blow that is struck at
this moment of deep excitement, must and will speedily involve every
individual in a war, bearing ruin, woe, and desolation in its course.
It matters but little how, where, or by whom the war may begin, when
the work of destruction commences, we must all be borne onward by the
storm, or crushed beneath its fury.
The saints were told that if they had one spark of gratitude they would
not willingly plunge a people into civil war who had held out to them
the friendly hand of assistance in the dark hour of their distress. A
committee of ten were appointed to present these views to the leading
elders among the "Mormons" with the understanding that if the saints
would consent to move as requested, the gentlemen who had called the
meeting, and now asked them to leave Clay County, would use all their
influence to allay the excitement among the citizens of the county.
The reply of the Saints to the request to remove from Clay County was
adopted at a general mass meeting. In their reply they expressed their
appreciation of the kindness shown them by the people of Clay County.
They denied having any disposition to meddle with slavery. They also
denied holding communication with the Indians, and said they held
themselves as ready to defend their country against their barbarous
ravages as any other people. After making these denials they resolved
that
For the sake of friendship, and to be in a covenant of peace with the
citizens of Clay County, and they to be in a covenant of peace with
us, notwithstanding the necessary loss of property, and expense we
incur in moving, we comply with the requisitions of their resolutions
in leaving the county of Clay, as explained by the preamble
accompanying the same; and that we will use our exertions to have The
Church do the same.
It appears that the committee who had presented the resolutions of the
Clay County citizens, had tendered their services to assist the saints
in selecting a new location, and the latter resolved to accept that
assistance. The reply from the saints was perfectly satisfactory to
the people of Clay County, and the latter made some arrangements to
assist the former in complying with their request; that is, two persons
from each township were appointed to raise money by subscription to
aid the "Mormons" who might need assistance to leave the county, and
also arrange for some suitable person to assist them in selecting a
new location for settlement; and recommended the "Mormons" to the good
treatment of the citizens in surrounding counties; and asked them to
assist the exiles in selecting some abiding place, where they would be,
in a measure, the only occupants of the land; and where none would be
anxious to molest them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account