The Missouri PersecutionsRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
History
The Missouri Persecutions
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saints -- Missouri -- History -- 19th century
Finally, in 1838, the disorder became so great and outrages so frequent
that the State authorities felt it their duty to interfere. Governor
Boggs issued a proclamation calling out the militia to aid in restoring
order and enforcing the laws. The generals in command were Generals
John B. Clark, David R. Atchison, A. W. Doniphan. General Doniphan's
brigade removed to Far West. The main body of the army of Zion under
the command of G. M. Hinkle, whom Smith designated as commander in
chief of the "Mormon" forces, was held in reserve to act as emergencies
might require. Smaller forces were thrown forward to guard the
approaches from the south and the east.
Haun's Mill.--On the thirtieth of October an engagement was fought
at Haun's Mill on Shoal Creek, south of Beckenridge. At that point
a "Mormon" outpost entrenched in the mill and a blacksmith shop was
attacked by the Livingston County militia under Captain Comstock.
After a brief struggle the "Mormons" threw down their arms in token
of surrender, but one of the militia men, being savagely wounded, his
comrades were so enraged that their officer was unable to check them
until eighteen of the "Mormons" were killed and a number wounded. Haun,
the proprietor of the mill, was killed and with the rest of the dead
buried in a well that stood near by.
"Mormon" Exodus.--The surrender took place in November. The days were
cold and bleak, but the clamor for the instant removal of the "Mormons"
was so great that the old and young, the sick and feeble, delicate
women and suckling children, almost without food and without clothing
were compelled to abandon their homes and firesides to seek new homes
in a distant State. Valuable farms were sold for a yoke of oxen, an
old wagon or anything that would furnish means of transportation.
Many of the poorer classes were compelled to walk. Before half their
journey was accomplished the chilly blasts of winter howled about them
and added to their general discomfort. The suffering they endured on
this forced march though great, was soon forgotten in the prosperity
of Nauvoo, their new asylum. Their trials and sufferings instead of
dampening the ardor of the Saints, increased it ten fold. "The blood of
the martyrs became the seed of The Church."
The exodus of the "Mormons" reduced the population of the county from
six thousand to less than one thousand; but the deserted farms and
houses offered inducements to emigration that were not despised and new
settlers rapidly filled the places of the departed ones.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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