The Missouri PersecutionsRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
History
The Missouri Persecutions
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saints -- Missouri -- History -- 19th century
The "Mormons" evacuated their works and fled to some log houses, where
they could the more successfully resist the Gentiles, who had in the
meantime returned to their camp to await reinforcements. Troops from
Howard, Ray and other counties came to their assistance, and increased
their number to five hundred men.
Congreve Jackson was chosen brigadier-general; Ebenezer Price, colonel;
Singleton Vaughn, lieutenant-colonel, and Sashel Woods, major. After
some days of discipline, this brigade prepared for an assault, but
before the attack was commenced Judge James Earickson and William F.
Dunnica, influential citizens of Howard County, asked permission of
General Jackson to let them try and adjust the difficulties without
bloodshed.
It was finally agreed that Judge Earickson should propose to the
"Mormons" that, if they would pay for all the cattle they had killed
belonging to the citizens, and load their wagons during the night and
be ready to move by ten o'clock next morning, and make no further
attempt to settle in Howard County, the citizens would purchase at
first cost their lots in DeWitt, and one or two adjoining tracts of
land.
Colonel Hinkle, the leader of the "Mormons," at first refused all
attempts to settle the difficulties in this way, but finally agreed to
the proposition.
In accordance therewith, the "Mormons," without further delay, loaded,
up their wagons for the town of Far West, in Caldwell County. Whether
the terms of the agreement were ever carried out, on the part of the
citizens, it is not known.
The "Mormons" had doubtless suffered much and in many ways--the result
of their own acts--but their trials and sufferings were not at an end.
In 1838 the discord between the citizens and the "Mormons" became so
great that Governor Boggs issued a proclamation ordering Major-General
David R. Atchison to call the militia of his division to enforce the
laws. He called out a part of the first brigade of the Missouri State
Militia, under the command of General A. W. Doniphan, who proceeded to
the seat of war. General John B. Clark, of Howard County, was placed in
command of the militia.
The "Mormon" forces numbered about 1,000 men, and were led by G. W.
Hinkle. The first engagement occurred at Crooked River, where one
"Mormon" was killed. The principle fight took place at Haun's Mill,
where eighteen "Mormons" were killed and the balance captured, some of
them being killed after they had surrendered. Only one militiaman was
wounded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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