Narrative of the Adventures and Ex- —perience of Joseph H. Jackson, in Nauvoo. (1844? reprint 1960) LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAICN 298 J13n i960 I.H.S. LLllfOlS BJ8TOBICAL stVST Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/narrativeofadvenOOjack A NARRATIVE GIF BTEffl AOVENTURES ANO EXPERIENCE or JOSEPH fl. JACKSON. A NARRATIVE ®if spsss ADVENTURES AND EXPERIENCE QF JOSEPH H. JACKSON, Reprinted for Karl Yost Morrison, Illinois, 1960 NOTE The entire original pamphlet has been re-set, line for line, in a type as closely approximating the original as available fonts permit. The title-page of the orig- inal has been reproduced in fascimile. The page size is exactly the same. This reprint is limited to 200 cop- ies, of which this is copy No. **? . /C % REPRINT AMERICANA SERIES NO. 2 Composed and printed by News-Sentinel Publishers Morrison, Illinois :£/f£. 311 r/3n INTRODUCTION I. This is a reprint of an extremely rare item of Americana. There are two copies known, based on a census of Cecil K. Byrd of the University of Indiana. Mr. Everett D. Graff has one, and the Chicago Histori- cal Society Library has the other, with wrappers re- produced from the Graff copy. I deem it worth reprinting because of its rarity and interest, although there is some doubt in my mind whether the Narrative can be considered history of the purest ray serene. II. The Mormon Church was organized April 6, 1830, at Fayette, Seneca County, New York, by Joseph Smith, self-styled prophet, and a few dozen devout converts. Within a year the headquarters of the new sect were moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where a forty thousand dollar temple was built, apparently in anti- cipation of prolonged peace and prosperity. But by 1838 the popular opposition to Mormon proselyting activities, together with the failure of several Mormon business ventures, forced the prophet to seek refuge among his followers in Western Missouri. There a strong missionary organization had been maintained since 1830, in spite of continual persecution. In vain the Saints had removed farther and farther westward in Missouri, from Jackson County to Clay, and finally to Caldwell County. Preaching and talking against slavery as they did both publicly and privately, they aroused the enmity of the southern slaveholders, and they were driven out of Missouri, not on account of their religious teachings but because of their political doctrines. Unable to gain protection from either the courts ^ or the state legislature in Missouri, the discouraged yc Mormons began, in the winter of 1839, a general exodus to the neighborhood of Quincy, Illinois, where they CO were warmly received. § In spite of the heavy losses sustained in Missouri and Ohio, the Saints proceeded to purchase half the town of Keokuk, Iowa; the whole of the town of Nash- ville, six miles above Keokuk; half the town of Mont- rose, together with 30,000 acres of land; and opposite Montrose, the village of Commerce, on which site was laid out the city of Nauvoo. The word "Nauvoo" comes from the Hebrew, and signifies "beautiful situa- tion for rest". During the winter of 1840 the Mormon leaders ap- plied to the legislature of Illinois for extensive privi- leges, including several charters; one for the city of Nauvoo; one for agricultural and manufacturing pur- poses; one for a university; and one for a military body called the Nauvoo Legion; and one for the civil courts of Nauvoo. Since both the Whigs and Democrats in Illinois were competing for Mormon political support, all these privileges were readily granted. By the end of 1840, there were at least fifteen thousand people in Nauvoo, many of whom had come from Canada and Europe. One of the first events in the New Zion was the choosing of a temple site — a prominent hilltop on which was to be erected an im- posing edifice of glistening white sandstone, costing approximately one million dollars. Everett says: "limestone of a good quality, of a bluish white shade". The years 1840 to 1844 proved immensely prosper- ous for the Mormons, both at home and abroad. At the opening of the fourth year, Smith found himself at the height of his power. His followers in Europe and America numbered more than one hundred thousand, while he himself had collected a private fortune of about half a million dollars. His power and good fortune seem to have warped his judgment, for in February, 1844, he announced himself as candidate for the Presidency of the United States, with his disciple, Sidney Rigdon, as Vice Presi- dential candidate. This boldness, together with even bolder utterances concerning the manner in which a President should conduct himself, led to renewed per- secution at the hands of the surrounding Gentiles. In the spring of 1844, Wm. Law, a leading Mormon, openly charged the Prophet (Joseph Smith) with an at- tempt to seduce his wife. (This soon after became the spiritual wife doctrine, and was believed, and even preached to some extent by the leaders of the Mormon Church.) This charge was promptly denied by the Prophet, and Law was denounced in the most bitter terms for an alleged attempt to slander the Prophet. Summoned by the high tribunal of the Church, Law appeared, refused to retract what he had said, and again avowed its truth, for which he was immediately cut off from the Church. Being a man of considerable influence, Law drew with him a few of the disaffected members of the Church, who were already tired of bowing in humble submission, and paying tribute to the Prophet Joseph. Among these deserters were Wilson, Francis Hig- bee, Joseph Higbee, Foster, and others, who determined to put the world in possession of their grievances. Dur- ing the month of May, these apostate Mormons issued the first and only number of the Nauvoo Expositor, an anti-Mormon publication. It contained a series of charges against Joseph Smith, and the leading men in the church, including bigamy, adultery, larceny, counterfeiting, etc. At a meeting of the city council of Nauvoo, the journal was pronounced a menace and further publication was pro- hibited. Acting under orders of the city council with Joseph Smith as mayor, the city marshal raised a force of sev- eral hundred men, headed by Gen. Dunham of the Nau- voo Legion, entered the Expositor establishment, pied the type, and destroyed the presses. For this act, the proprietors of the journal obtained at Carthage, Illinois, an order for the arrest of the prophet-mayor. Thereupon, Smith was taken before the city coun- cil of Nauvoo, and after a brief examination was dis- missed. This enraged the surrounding Gentile popula- tion to such an extent that a mob of from two to three thousand men was formed to aid the Carthage con- stable "not only to arrest Joe Smith, but to burn his town and kill every man, woman and child in it." In an effort to prevent violence, the Governor of Illinois went to Carthage in person. From there he sent a message to the prophet, asking him to proceed quietly to Carthage, in order to demonstrate his will- ingness to abide by the law. Both the Governor and the people pledged protection to the Mormon leader. On June 24, 1844, Joseph and his brother Hyrum, the members of the council, and all others demanded, proceeded to Carthage, gave themselves up, and were charged with riot. All were released, but Joseph and Hyrum were immediately re-arrested on charge of trea- son. The excuse for this act seems to be that Smith had called out the Nauvoo Legion, had declared Nau- voo to be under martial law, and had then given orders to resist the posse comitatus sent by the Governor. On the night of June 27, 1844, after the Governor had once more pledged the safety of the prisoners and had departed, a mob of a hundred men, with painted faces, surrounded the jail and shot the two Mormon leaders. Doubtless it was thought that this act would put an end to Mormonism; but rather, it gave more stabil- ity than ever to the Mormon cause, and "Joseph Smith the martyr became a greater power in the land than Joseph Smith the prophet." Ill Who was Joseph H. Jackson? From the History of Hancock County, Illinois by Th. Gregg, Chicago, Chapman, 1880, at page 328, we glean the following: "Mention has been made of Joseph H. Jackson. Mr. J. was an adventurer of fine appearance and gen- tlemanly manners, who appeared in the county during the troubles; went to Nauvoo and became quite inti- mate with the prophet and the leaders; afterwards turned against them, went to Warsaw and published a pamphlet claiming to be an exposure of Mormonism and the evil purposes and practices of its chiefs. This pamphlet made many serious charges against Smith and his adherents — charges of murder and conspiracy, of counterfeiting, debauchery, spiritual- wifery, etc.; and claimed that he had gone among them with the sole view of ingratiating himself and then exposing them. His expose was of much the same character as that of General Bennett. As in the case of the latter, much of his statement was corroborated by circum- stances, and much lacked confirmation. The equivocal position in which he stood, it is proper to say, tended to lessen the confidence of the public in his statements, and his little book made but slight impression. The Mormons charged that he was an adventurer of the worst class, and came there to practice his trade of counterfeiting, etc., and quarrelled with the prophet and the authorities because he was detected and ex- posed." The mention that was made of Joseph H. Jackson in Gregg's History includes the following, (p. 302) : "Sidney Rigdon, who taking their statements to be true, had more reason than any to come out and de- nounce the prophet, still refused, till after the prophet's death, and Grigham and the Twelve had thrown him overboard. Did Rigdon know of Smith's villainies, af- ter fifteen years' association with him? These seced- ers gave countenance to Joseph H. Jackson, in his ex- posures, a newcomer, who, as he says, had only been in Smith's confidence a little while; and Jackson pub- lished that Smith had acknowledged to him that he was a counterfeiter, that he had instigated murder and that the Mormon Bible and golden plates were frauds. It is more likely that Jackson would have gained the prophet's confidence than they?" Then there is a long quotation from the Nauvoo Neighbor for June 17, 1884 which is copied in its entire- ty in Gregg's History, and which mentions Jackson. At pages 304 and 305 of Gregg appear certain extracts from a regular session of the Nauvoo City Council for June 8, 1844, which contain the following: "Councilor H. Smith referred to J. H. Jackson's coming to this city, etc. Mayor said Wm. Law had of- fered Jackson $500.00 to kill him. "Councilor H. Smith continued Jackson, told him, he (Jackson) meant to have his daughter; and threaten- ed him if he made any resistance. Jackson related to him a dream; that Joseph and Hyrum were opposed to him, but that he would execute his purposes; that Jackson had laid a plan with four or five persons to kidnap his daughter, and threatened to shoot any one that should come near, after he had got her into the skiff; that Jackson was engaged in trying to make bogus, which was his principal business, — referred to the revelation read to the High Council of the Church, which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time. "Washington Peck sworn: — Said soon after Joseph H. Jackson came here, he came to witness to borrow money, which witness loaned him, and took some jewel- ry as security. Soon after, a man from across the river came after the jewelry; Jackson had stolen the jewelry from him. At another time, wanted to get money of witness; asked witness if he would do anything dis- honorable to get a living. Witness said he would not. Jackson said witness was a damned fool, for he could get a living a deal easier than he was doing by making bogus, and some men high in the Church were engaged in the business. Witness asked if it was Joseph. 'No/ said Jackson, 'I dare not tell it to Joseph.' Witness un- derstood him the Laws were engaged in it. Jackson said he would be the death of witness, if he ever went to Joseph or any one else to tell what he had said. "Lorenzo Wasson, sworn: — Said Joseph H. Jack- son told witness that bogus-making was going on in the city; but it was too damned small business. Wanted witness to help him procure money for the General (Smith) was afraid to go into it, and with $500 he could get an engraving for bills on the bank of Missouri, and one on the State of New York, and could make money; said many times witness did not know him; believed the General had been telling witness some- thing. 'God damn him, if he has I will kill him/ — swore he would kill any man that should prove a traitor to him. Jackson said if he could get a company of men to suit him, he would go into the frontiers and live by highway robbery; had got sick of the world." Following the murders of the Smiths, Joseph H. Jackson was selected as an example for arrest, and a writ for his arrest was issued by a Nauvoo Justice of the Peace. According to Gregg (page 327) : "An agree- ment was entered into by which Williams and Sharp (Jackson being sick) agreed to give themselves up on condition that they be taken before Judge Thomas for examination, with some other conditions as to bail, etc." From the standpoint of a lawyer who has han- dled a goodly number of criminal cases, I would say that this is rather a handy arrangement. The Nauvoo Neighbor (the Mormon paper) as re- ported in the Sangamo Journal for October 31, 1844, had this to say: "Before the troops arrived in this city, Murray Mc- Connell, Esq. agent for the Governor, came into Hancock county and instituted proceedings against some of the perpetrators of the Carthage murder. T. C. Sharp, one of the number when legally called upon, refused submission to the laws of the land. The officer in charge of the writs reported that the criminals had fled from the State, whereupon the Governor issued the following document: A PROCLAMATION By the Governor of the State of Illinois Whereas Levi Williams, Thomas C. Sharp and Jos- eph H. Jackson, have been legally charged with having committed the crime of murder, and have fled from this State: I do therefore offer a reward of two hundred dol- lars for the apprehension of each one of the said per- sons to be paid upon the certificate of the Sheriff of Hancock county, that they, or any of them, have been delivered to him. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said State, this 27th day of September, A. D. 1844. Thomas Ford This proclamation was not circulated, however in order to give the Sheriff a further chance to take the fugitives from justice, in their "exits and entrances" from Warsaw to Churchville, etc. On Monday night about 10 o'clock a messenger ar- rived with a letter from the Governor from which the following is an extract: "Warsaw, Sept. 30, 1844 Sir, — I write to inform you that Williams and Sharpe have surrendered, and will be sent to Quincy for trial, Jackson has not come over, and is so very sick that we could do nothing with him if we had him." In any event, Jackson was never tried, and dis- appeared from the scene. None of the persons who were brought to trial was found guilty. Now that you ask me, after reading the foregoing, I will say that I feel that Jackson was a prevaricating opportunist of about the same stature as Wm. H. Dan- iels; that Joseph Smith was a revealed religion oppor- tunist who traded on the credulity of his zealot follow- ers; that Ford, Governor of Illinois, could have been an opportunist but missed his chance. At least it's his- tory. IV I have made a few corrections in preparing the copy for the printer, consisting primarily of corrections in spelling. If I may say it without presumption, I have followed Milo M. Quaife's statement in one of the Lakeside Classics: I have prepared the copy for the printer as if it were submitted to me as an editor in the first instance. The following is a list of corrections: moralists for moralist - p. 3 wagon for v/aggon - p. 5 villain for villian - pp. 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 referred for ref ered - p. 5 really for realy - p. 7 pertinacity for pertenacity - p. 7 apostle for appostle - p. 10 hazards for hazzards - p. 11 hypocrites for hypocrits - p. 13 vision for vission - p. 13 Elliott for Elliot - p. 15 stopped for stoped - p. 16 route for rout - p. 29 planned for planed - p. 30 One error I did not correct. The reader will note that on p. 7 of the original there is a reference to the "Chavis" murders, and on p. 8 of the original there are references to the "Chavi's" and also to the Chavis' " murders. In each instance this should be "Chavez". The Kansas State Historical Society Collections for 1905- 1906, volume 9, pp. 552-53 contains a note on this affair, saying, in part: "In the year 1843 there assembled in Westport (Missouri) a number of men giving out that they were going to the borders of Texas to fight the Mexicans. Word had reached the borders of Missouri that Don Antonio Jose Chavez, a rich Mexican, was on his way to the Missouri river, at Independence, to trade and these men had determined to meet and rob him. "They came upon Chavez in camp on the banks of a little stream generally known as Little Arkansas river, in the present state of Kansas, killing him and robbing his train. "As the news had preceded Chavez that he was on his way to the Missouri with a great amount of money, so the information of the crime committed by these men preceded them on their return. They were met by a body of Jackson county citizens near Council Grove, Kansas, among whom was Geo. Buchanan, sher- iff of Jackson county, and some ten of their number captured and a part of the money taken from Chavez was recovered." Further reference to the Chavez murder can be found in the Mississippi Valley Historical Review, vol- ume 12, (September, 1925), pp. 235-36; W. E. Con- nelley's Standard History of Kansas and Kansans, vol- ume 1, p. 120; and Gregg's Commerce of the Prairies, XX, pp. 226 et seq. and 276 et seq. The principal reason I did not correct the original is that I thought it might be interesting to see the manner in which Joseph H. Jackson coped with phonetic spelling. My brief summary of Mormon activities leading up to the events which caused Jackson to write his Narra- tive is an exegesis of many writings listed in the bibli- ography following. I would like to thank Grant Dean of the Chicago Historical Society, Clyde C. Walton and Margaret A. Flint of the Illinois State Historical So- ciety, for their help. Archibald Hanna of the Yale University Library Western Americana collection has assisted me in some research. I have taken from the following: Edward Bonney - The Banditti of the Prairies; Thomas Ford - A History of Illinois, Chicago, 1854; Th. Gregg - History of Han- cock County, Chicago, 1885; Publications Illinois State Historical Society No. 10, 1905, pp. 183-193; same, No. 11, pp. 88-102; same, No. 33, pp. 65-74; Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society, 1926, "Mormon Life and Doctrines in Illinois and Utah 1840 - 1860" by Willis G. Swartz; House of Representatives (Illinois) 15th Assem. 1st Session, Dec. 10, 1846, Mormon Difficulties, Report of Gov. Ford; Illinois State Journal, Oct. 31, 1844. Karl Yost 207 East Lincolnway Morrison, Illinois A NARRATIVE <§>w sisns ADVENTURES AND EXPERIENCE OP JOSEPH fl. JACKSON, DISCLOSING THE DEPTHS OF MORMON VILLAINY* Vara*, Illinois, August, tttt. INTRODUCTION. The following narrative of my experience in Nauvoo, is submitted to the public in hopes that it may call attention to the character of the iniquities practiced in that city, in the name of religion. I am aware, that such is the nature of the disclosures made in the following pages — such the black- ness of the record, that it will be difficult to induce men to believe that 6uch depravity could possibly exist. By what follows, however, it will be perceived that my motives in going to Nauvoo, were to gain the confidence of the Prophet, that I might discover and disclose to the world his real de— Bigns and the nature of his operations. To do this, I was obliged to prac- tice dissimulation and to seem to be a fit tool for him to work with. Some may say that such conduct on my part was not excusable ; but let such bethink them that the secret designs and workings of this Heaven daring wretch, could never have been made public only by such means as I em- ployed. The end, justified the means. Many are the instances on record, in which bands of robbers or counterfeiters, had so organized themselves that they were enabled to baffle the closest scrutiny of the law, and in such instances, it has been a common practice, especially in Europe, to employ men to become seeming accomplices, that they might thus be enabled to disclose the information necessary for a conviction. This was my object, and the inducement that prompted my action, will be found in what follows. I tell nothing more than what I have seen and heard in Nauvoo. I have colored nothing, nor set down aught in malice. Many of my statements can be corroborated by abundance of testimony. I am content however, at present, to give my story and if contradicted, I can follow it up by proof, such as no reasonable man will doubt. The question may be asked, how is it possible for so corrupt a man a3 Joe Smith is represented to be, could ever have attained so complete con- trol as he unquestionably had, over the minds of the honest portion of his followers ? I confess the question puzzles me. No man, who has never seen the influance of blind fanaticism over the human mind, can imagine the effect it will produce. There were hundreds of men in Nauvoo, who, [ believe, from what I have seen, had Joe Smith commanded them to com- mit murder in the name of the Lord, they would have believed that they were doing God's service in obeying him. I will leave the philosophy of this, for the consideration of moralists ; my business is to state facts. There is one thing peculiar, that will be observed by the attentive reader, and that is that all Joe Smith's commands whether in public or private were delivered 'in the name of the Lord.' In public, before his people, he spoke 'in the name of the Lord,' and in his secret councils, if he desired the assassination of his enemy, it was 'the will of the Lord', that the perse- cutors of the Church of Jesus Christ, should be put out of the way, and then in 'the name of the Lord' he concocted the vilest plans for murder. Thus assassination, robbery and seduction were carried on by this blasphe- mous wretch, 'in the name of the Most High.' The writing of the following pages, was commenced previous to the late disturbances in Hancock County, which resulted in the death of the two Smiths. I regret that the publication was not made while they were alive. As it is however, I trust that what is said, will convince the world, that whatever may be thought of the manner of their death, nevertheless they richly deserved to die. My experience with the Mormons, was but for a short period, yet such corruption and depravity as I witnessed, I did not before believe existed on the face of the Earth. NARRATIVE. Before visiting Nauvoo, I had heard much of this famous city, and the character of its inhabitants. Such was the contrariety of reports afloat, that it seemed difficult to form any settled opinion concerning the Prophet or his followers. Where I had been how- ever, the opinion seemed to prevail, that they were a pack of aban- oned scoundrels, leagued together for the basest of purposes. In passing down the Mississippi in the fall of 1842, I determined to stop in Nauvoo. My object was partly to find business and part- ly to gratify curiosity. With the location of the city I was de- lighted; but as frequent descriptions have already gone abroad, I will not stop here to expatiate either on its beauties, or the ad- vantages of its position. At the time I landed, (10th of October, 1842) there was great trouble amongst the saints, in consequence of a demand having been made by the Governor of Missouri, for the Prophet, for being accessory to the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs. My visit to the city at that time, (being a stranger and out of business), in- duced the people as I afterwards learned, to believe, that I was a spy from Missouri, in quest of evidence against Smith. Many men, who I have since learned belonged to the Danite Band, visited me at my boarding house and asked all manner of questions in rela- tion to my business in the city. Deeming these enquiries imperti- nent, I did not condescend to answer them; but they did not cease their importunities. At length, being disgusted and indignant at their proceedings, I abruptly cut their acquaintance. After this, I observed that I was closely watched; but did not know the rea- son, until informed by a friend, that the Prophet thought me a spy. I determined then to give no satisfaction, but to pursue a silent po- licy. Some time in November I was helping to haul some goods from the river, that belonged to Messrs. Rollison and Finch. I was in company with Mr. Finch and a man from Keokuk, who was owner of the horses and wagon. We had hauled one load and were re- turning for the second. As we crossed the bottom, between the Temple and the river, a man standing at about eight rods distance, (it being after dark,) called me by name. I immediately jumped from the wagon, thinking that it was a man who wished me to get some goods stored that had called me. Finch immediately followed. When I got within about five feet of the villain as he proved to be, he extended his arm at full length and said, "damn you, I give you what you deserve" and fired a pistol. The ball passed my head, and so stunned me, that for a few minutes I scarcely knew what I was about, but on coming to, I could scarcely see, for my face and eyes were so much burned with powder. Finch, at the time the shot was fired, was about one rod behind. He seeing me stagger, immediately pursued the fellow, but soon found that he was no match for him in speed, and gave up the pursuit. Finch and my- self agreed to keep this matter a secret, that we might be able to discover some clue to the assassin. I thought that if we did not mention it, and we heard of it from others, we would be able then to trace the matter to its fountainhead. When however this idea became hopeless, I mentioned it to my friends, who seemed to un- derstand the object of the maneuver. Shortly after this I left Nauvoo and went to Carthage to spend the winter. During the winter, I employed my time in hunting, but I heard frequently, complaints against the thieving Mormons. In the spring I determined to find out whether Joe Smith was in reality as bad a man as he was represented, and whether he had in reality instigated the villain who attempted my life in Nauvoo. I therefore stated to Harmon T. Wilson, Deputy Sheriff, that I in- tended to visit Nauvoo, and if any man could, I would find out Joe's plans and measures and at a proper time, if I found him to be as base as represented and as I believed him to be, disclose all to the world. In forming this resolution, I was actuated by a desire on the one hand, to revenge myself on him if he were guilty of the attempt on my life, and by a romantic love of adventure on the other. I possessed every advantage in person and countenance to accomplish my object, as well as a full share of experience in the ways of the world. Accordingly in the month of March, I went to Nauvoo, and after staying there a few days, I visited Joe, and gave him to un- derstand that I had important business with him. He invited me into his private room, and there in the presence of Eber C. Kim- ball, I disclosed the nature of my business, and made him believe that I could be of great service to him. I stated that I was a fugi- tive from Macon City, Georgia, and wanted protection. This 6 seemed to tickle his fancy wonderfully, and throwing off restraint, he said that I was just the man he wanted, and referred me to the conduct of Joab unto David. He then said, that he would make any man rich, who would be unto him as was Joab to David, and obey his commands in the name of God, that he might fulfil his prophecies. He then commenced an argument, to make me be- lieve that this was right and lawful in the sight of God, and de- clared himself a godly man and a Prophet endowed with power from on high. I then remarked, that as to his religion, I cared nothing about it, for I did not believe in the supremacy of a God. Here he looked me very steadfastly and significantly in the eye; but I flinched not. I then told him that I was a desperate man, and could release O. P. Rockwell, who was at that time confined in prison in Missouri, for his attempt on the life of Gov. Boggs. Well said he, "if you will release Porter, and kill old Boggs, I will give you three thousand dollars." Kimball heard this conversation throughout, but I have no hope that he could be made to acknowl- edge its truth, so deeply is he leagued with Joe in his villainy. Joe, after this offer, made a proposition to give me an outfit to Missouri; and said that he would soon furnish me with a splendid horse, saddle, bridle and all the necessary accoutrements for the journey. To all this Kimball assented. The second morning after this, I met Joe again. He told me he had traded a town lot with Eider Grant for a splendid black horse, and also that he had procured a saddle and bridle for the trip. Now said he: "Go and perform in the name of God, and let the little fellow out of jail for my heart bleeds for him/' I took possession that day of the horse saddle and bridle, and the next day, Joe brought to my boarding house a pair of saddle bags, concealed under his cloak. This ex- pedition was kept a profound secret. People in general supposed that I had bought the horse of Joe, and had no idea that there was any understanding between us. After having this horse in my possession for two or three days, Joe and I took a ride up to Edward Hunter's, where he borrowed one hundred dollars, and I drew his note for it on demand. Hunter, at this time, was absent. While there, Mrs. Hunter brought the Bi- ble to Joe, and wished him to explain some passage in the 3d chapt. of Hosea, in relation to the adultress. He replied that he would call at another time and translate it for her, for which she thanked him kindly. After this, I learned that the scripture named by Mrs. Hunter, was one of the proofs of the correctness of the spiritual wife doctrine, of which, the reader will learn more hereafter. After conversing a little while, we arose to depart, and Joe gave Mrs. Hunter a very sanctimonius blessing. We then got on our horses and rode up the hill where we were met by the Holy Patriarch Hymm, on his white horse. He informed Joe, that brother some- body, (I do not recollect the name) was sick, and they were sent for to lay hands on him, "for he was sick unto death." I rode to the house of the invalid with them. We entered the room, and I put on a very grave countenance, while they both laid hands on the sick man, and Kyrum made a long sanctimonious prayer. As we left the house, Joe pronounced a blessing on it and all that were within. We then again mounted our horses — Hyrum went home; and Joe and I took a ride of some five miles on the prairie. All the way out and back, he pressed me to kill Boggs; and said that he would pay me well for it. Finally, I gave him a strong hint that I was in for the business — knowing as I did, that if I hestitated, he would suspect me of treachery, and thus, all my plans in rela- tion to him would be frustrated. I therefore carried on my game by showing a bold front. All the while, he was urging the killing of Boggs, he insisted that it was the will of God, and in God's name he offered me a reward for his blood. This was all done with an air of sanctimonious gravity, and with a look of innocence, that would make one almost believe that the Prophet really thought, that he was acting under the command of Heaven. I was utterly astonished to see this man concoct the most hellish plans for mur- der and revenge, and yet, with pertinacity insist that it was right in the sight of God. And here, (if I may be permitted to pause) lay the whole secret of Joe Smith's success. He had a singularly unmeaning countenance, that was no index of his real character — he had so long practiced duplicity, that there was scarcely a com- punctious feeling left in his bosom, and he had no scruples in regard to the means he should employ, when he had an end to attain; Hence it was, that he had no hesitancy in prostituting every thing sacred, for the purposes of lust, cupidity, revenge or power. The next morning after this adventure, I took my departure for Missouri. The weather was very bad, the streams high, and I suffered very much with the wet and cold. After a journey of eight days I arrived at Independence, where I put up with a Mr. Knowlton. At this time, the Chavis murderers were anested, and I saw them in the custody of the sheriff, while on their way ,o the jail. While these men were being put into the prison, I entered it for the purpose of seeing Rockwell, and that I might give a straight ac- count of myself. I found him with a pair of shackles on, and a lion skin over coat — looked rather uncouth. There were however, so many in prison at this time, that I had no opportunity to converse with him. My hope was, that by representing myself as being in the employ of Joe, and convincing him of that fact, to draw from him a confession that might be useful for the purposes which Har- mon T. Wilson and myself had in view. Previous to my leaving Carthage for Nauvoo, I had learned from Harmon T. Wilson, that he was in correspondence with Mr. Rey- nolds, sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, in relation to another de- mand from the Governor of Missouri, for Joe Smith. An arrange- ment had been entered into, that a requisition should be made on the return of Mr. Wilson, from a trip which he contemplated to take to the south, immediately on the opening of navigation. Had I thought at the time I left Mr. Wilson, of this trip to Missouri, I should have brought a letter from him to Mr. Reynolds, which would have disclosed to the latter my true character. As matters however were, I found myself placed in a situation where I could do no good towards the great object I had in view. There v/as great excitement in Independence, in consequence of the Chavi's murders — many persons were arriving to join the Oregon emigra- ting expedition; and every stranger appeared to be looked on with distrust and suspicion. Mr. Reynolds, was so busily engaged in arresting the Chavis' murderers, that I could get no opportunity to make his acquaintance, and fix upon a concerted plan of operations in relation to Smith. Seeing the impossibility of effecting what I desired, and having no idea of attempting what Joe sent me for, I resolved to return to Nauvoo. Previous to taking my departure however, 1 wrote to Mr. Wilson, and directed my letter to "Point Coupee", Louisiana; supposing that it would reach him there, but it appears that he never received it. Having been in Independence, one week without effecting anything, I set out on my journey. My trip back was very pleasant — the roads having become settled and the weather dry. I struck the Mississippi at Churchville, crossed to Warsaw, and thence journeyed to Nauvoo. On my arrival, I rode to the house of the Prophet, where all seemed glad to see me, and "sister Emma," Joe's wife, received me very cordially, the Prophet not being at home. Since I have introduced this lady to the read- er, I will mention that although she is acquainted with all the vil- lainous plans and operations of Joe, yet she should be looked on with pity rather than scorn. I believe she knew no guile until Joe schooled her to wink at his rascality, and compelled her by threats to aid in carrying out his measures. Indeed, he has frequently said that it was with the greatest difficulty that he could prevail on Em- ma, in many cases, to hold her peace, and not expose him to the world. In order to amuse myself until the Prophet's return I strolled over the city, and was surprised to find so much attention paid to me; and that many, especially the women, knew all about my ex- pedition to Missouri. This convinced me, that Joe could not keep his secrets, but I did not know at that time he had so many wives to whom to disclose them. When night came on, the Prophet, return- ed. He seemed glad to see me, and taking me by the hand led me into a private room, and commenced his enquiries about Porter Rockwell. He fixed his eyes steadily on me, while I gave an ac- count of my stewardship, and suffered me to proceed about half through without interruption, when he suddenly exclaimed. "Oh! did you kill old Boggs?" No! said I, he was not at home; and this was the fact, as good luck would have it, and it gave me an excel- lent excuse. Joe seemed to regret this very much; but soon re- turned to Rockwell's case, and prophecied "in the name of the Lori ' that he would alter passing through the fiery ordeal of the Missouri tribulation, come safely home. He said he knew that they could prove nothing against him, for he was a true man, and they could not make him own a word of it if we was guilty. Silence ensued for a few minutes, when Joe suddenly looked me full in the eye, and after gazing steadily for a few moments said. "Jackson you are the first man that I have ever met that I could not look down." Said I, "do you like a bold eye?" He replied that he did and then commenced a panegyric on himself. He said that he was a good and godly man, and that he had never known wrong in his life, for in all his acts, he was guided and protected by the power of the Holy Ghost — that the Missourians had tried to kill him, but rifle balls could have no effect on him, for he had been shot at thirteen times in Missouri, and the balls bounded back as hail from the side of a house; and for this reason he knew the Holy Ghost was with him, and that he truly was the greatest man on the earth. To this I replied that it was altogther unnecessary for him to preach ras- cality to me, in the name of the Lord, for the more he did it the less I should think of him. I then related what had occurred to me the previous fall in Nauvoo, giving him a full account of my being shot at, not letting him know however, that I suspected him or cared anything about it. My object was to learn from his own lips, by seeming indifferent to the matter, whether he in reality had been black - hearted enough to send a man to perform so dastardly an act. He however pretended perfect innocence, and could divine no rea- son why I had been shot at. Here ended our conversation for the evening, and Joe took me up stairs to my chamber. As he bade me good night, he pronounced the blessing of God on my head, and said that he never loved a stranger as he did me, and that he had trusted me further for a short acquaintance, than he had ever done any man before; but said he "you must kill old Boggs and I will build you up in the world." In order to fathom the depths of Joe's villainy, I was obliged to appear to him as an abandoned wretch and outcast. When I told him I was a fugitive from justice and had committed the darkest crimes it seemed to give him the greatest confidence, and he im- 10 mediately run away with the idea that he could through me fulfil his prophecies, and then on the top of it he would urge me to carry out his measures "in the name of the Lord." About three days after my return from Missouri, Joe had his car- riage brought out, and invited me to take a ride with him. I soon found that there was something wrong, and when we reached his Prairie Farm, or in other words the farm of Apostle Lot, who tills it for him, I learned the secret of his depression. He took me one side and began to talk to me about his wife, and he told me he thought I had better get another boarding house, (I was then boarding with him) for he thought that his wife loved me more than she did him. He at the same time cursed William Law, for trying to seduce his wife, which in my opinion was false. He continued to talk about his wife until my anger got the better of my prudence, and I then told him, he must stop such conversation to me, and that I would not hear him rail out on so worthy a woman as I believed Emma to be, and threatened to knock him down if he did not cease. I told him he was a d-d rascal, and he thought every other man as black-heart- ed as himself. At the same time I accused him of living in fornica- tion with other women, and that he especially should hold his peace in regard to Emma. To these aspersions he made no angry re- tort, but would not at that time own that he lived in fornication with other women, and said he was a godly man in every act, but that Emma was jealous of him. He then asked me if I had ever known him to do anything wrong with the women. I replied that I had not; but that in my opinion any man that was base enough to con- coct schemes for pillage and murder as he had done, would lie with his mother if she would permit him. He then said it was no use to talk to me. I answered that it was not for I had some experi- ence in the ways of the world. We then re-entered the carriage and rode to the city. Joe went home, and I went to Snyder's where I had boarded previous to my trip to Missouri, and took up lodgings. About two days after this Joe came down the street on horse back. I met him and told him I thought of going south, and was very sorry I could do nothing for him in Missouri, and made him believe it. He then pressed me to stay, and enter into the manu- facture of bogus, to which I consented, hoping to be able to get a clue to another branch of his villainy. Shortly after this, he sent $200, to St. Louis for German plate, and went to work in a remote part of the town to fit up for operation. The details concerning the Bogus operation in the city I will give in a subsequent part of this narrative. About the time this Bogus business commenced, H. T. Wilson returned from the South, and in company with him was Mr. Rey- 11 nolds the agent of Missouri, bearing a requisition from the Gover- nor of that State. When he returned, he heard reports in circula- tion that I had actually joined the Mormons, which so much dimin- ished his confidence in me, that he did not come to see me, as he promised he would do. At this time, Joe was on a visit to Dixon's Ferry, and Wilson and Reynolds proceeded hither, reporting as they journeyed that they were Mormon preachers. In the mean time, word of what was on foot, reached Nauvoo directly from Springfield; from whom I do not know; but at all events, Stephen Markham and William Clayton were dispatched to Dixon, to warn Joe, or to bring back word of what took place. In a few days Clayton returned, bringing news that Joe was arrested, and an or- der immediately issued from Hyrum, for parties to start out to res- cue Joe. One party, I was placed in and was compelled to go to prevent suspicion on myself. It consisted of twenty-five men. — Our directions were to proceed directly to Dixon and release Joe at all hazards. I acted as pilot, and Doctor Foster proceeded ahead to reconnoiter. We were all armed with side arms. On the prairie above La Harpe, I led the company astray purposely that Wilson and Reynolds might get ahead. We all got lost, and wan- dered about for a day, without making any progress on our journey. In the mean time, another party that had proceeded directly up the river, met Joe, Wilson and Reynolds, all in the custody of the Sher- iff of Lee County, proceeding Southwards. They escorted Joe to the City, and would not suffer the officers to take any other direc- tion. This fact we learned and returned to the City. At Nauvoo, the writ of Habeas Corpus, granted at Dixon, was tried before the Municipal Court, and Joe released. Wilson and Reynolds then effected their escape from the City. Seeing all hopes of bringing Joe to justice baffled for the present, I determined to continue my game. A few days after this, I had a private conversation with Joe, and he again wished that I should go to Missouri to serve Rockwell. I consented, and he fitted me out with a horse and sulky for my journey. My directions were to go to Liberty and get the pistol that Rockwell shot Boggs with — it being in the hands of a widow woman living in that town, who Rockwell had deposited it with. Rockwell, feared that, it might be discovered and identified, and produced in evidence against him; and therefore his wife on her return from Independence, requested Joe to have this instrument secured. On the morning of the fourth, I started on my journey. Joe said that it was an excellent day to fool the people with, for they would think I had gone to celebrate the day at some place in the neighborhood. I crossed the river at Montrose, from thence I went ILLINOIS ! 12 to Si. Francisviile, and from thence to Monticello. About five miles beyond this town, my horse became so restive from the biting of the flies, that he commenced running and kicking — the lines broke, and presently the shafts, and I saved myself by a timely leap. The horse took a circle on the prairie, and soon came back near the point from whence he started, when I caught him, and rede back to St. Francisviile, where I hired a man to bring in the sulky. I returned to Nauvoo. I neglected to mention that when starting, Joe told me to sell the horse and sulky, and board until I could kill Gen. Donethan; but my plan was to get the pistol, and what secrets I could from the old woman at Liberty, and advise Gen. Donethan cf what was going on in relation to him. My luck however, was bad, and my plans failed. On returning Joe wished me to go to Missouri by water, but wanted me to pledge myself to kill Gsn. Donethan. I feigned sickness, and by this means escaped further importunity, In the mean time, the Bogus establishment had been moderately fitted up, and Joe suggested the idea of buying Rockwell out of prison in the fall, or just as soon as he could get enough manufac- tured to do it. Day after day passed, and I managed my card so well, that I was enabled to probe still deeper into the secret meas- ures and transactions of this wretch. He frequently in our walks, which we took nearly every day, pressed me to join the church and marry; and to induce me to take a wife, he took me to houses where he kept his spiritual wives, and introduced me to them all. On leaving, he v/culd urge me to take my choice, or at any rate to take two cr three spiritual wives if I did not wish to marry. I was determined however, to form no connection with any woman, that my actions might in all things be perfectly free, and that they might hold no red over my head. As I have mentioned the subject of spiritual wives, I will in this place, give the reader some idea of the system. The doctrine taught, is called the "spirit of Elijah," and is kept a profound se- cret from the people at large, and is only permitted to be known to those, to whom it is given to know the "fullness of the kingdom/' in other words, the choice spirits who surround Joe, and aid in car- rying his secret measures. The doctrine is found on the 3d Chap- ter cf Hosea, — several passages from the writings of Solomon and David, and the passage "whatsoever ye bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven." From these scripture passages, (with which I am not sufficiently familiar to quote) aided by revelation from Joe, as respects their meaning and construction, the doctrine is derived that there is no harm in a man having more wives than one, pro- vided his extra wives are married to him spiritually. A spiritual wife is a woman, who by revelation is bound up to a man, in body 13 parts and passions, both for this life and for all eternity; whereas the union of a carnal v/ife and her husband ceases at death. Whenever the scripture forbids a man from taking to himself more wives than one, Joe made it refer to carnal and not spiritual wives; and would frequently quote the writings of David and Solomon to prove his po- sition. Having an explanation of the doctrine, let us see the appli- cation. Joe had in his employ certain old women, called "Mothers in Israel," such as Mrs. Tailor, old Madam Durfee, and old Madam Sessions, in whom the people have great confidence, but in fact, they are the most depraved hypocrites en Earth. If Joe wishes to make a spiritual wife of a certain young lady, he would send one of these women to her. The old women, would tell the young lady, that she had, had a vision, in which it was revealed to her that she was to be sealed up to Joe, (or his friend as the case might be) as a spiritual v/ife, to be his in time and eternity. This would astonish the young innocent, but scripture would soon be resorted to, to prove the correctness of the doctrine, and that it was proper in the sight of the Lord. Soon after this Joe would appear, and tell the lady that the Lord had revealed to him that Mrs. so & so, had had a vision concerning her, and had been to see her. Not suspecting any col- lusion the young lady would be astonished, and being strong in the faith! she could have no doubt but that Joe spoke by authority of God. He would then ply his arguments, and with the utmost sanctity speak "in the name of the Lord" and say that at such a time, and at such a place it had been revealed to him that she should be his or his friend's, in time and eternity. If she objected he would quote his scripture and his revelations, and thus by playing on her superstitious credulity, and artfully at the same time inflam- ing her passions he seldom failed of his object. Being once suc- cessful, he held the fear of exposure over her as a rod to prevent rebellion from his allegiance. When, as happened in the cases of Miss Martha Brotherton and Miss Nancy Rigdon, his overtures were rejected with disdain and exposure threatened he would set a hun- dred hell hounds on them, to destroy their reputations. This is a specimen of the mode and manner of Joe in carrying his vile meas- ures of seduction. To the truth of what I have here said, there are hundreds who can testify, and I have no doubt would do it, if they could be protected from the revenge of the hellish clan, which still exists in Nauvoo. The extent to which this abomination was car- ried may be imagined from the fact that Joe Smith boasted to me, that he in this manner from the commencement of his career had seduced 400 women. But to return to the Bogus establishment. The first attempts at Bogus making were rather rough; but in October, Messrs. Barton and Eaton, came on from Buffalo, having been sent by one of Joe's 14 emissaries, and brought with them a splendid press and all the ne- cessary tools and materials for operation. The press was put up In the south east room, up stairs, of the house formerly occupied by Joe, being the same room where the holy order had previously met. The business was then rushed ahead in good earnest, and an excel- ent specimen of base coin produced. Soon the city was flooded with this money and a report was put in circulation that Bogus manufactures were at work in the city. Joe had given out that the room occupied by the press was rented to Messrs. Barton and Eaton, who were mechanics, and were making drafts for the ma- chinery, of a factory which they contemplated erecting. The press continued to run until they had manufactured about $350,000. The intention was to keep the press running and purchase a large amount of stock, but being forced to move it, by a circumstance which I shall presently relate, Joe concluded to wait until spring when the large emigration which was expected would afford a bet- ter chance to operate. About half of the money manufactured was put in circulation in Hancock county, and the balance sent east, or passed off to transient persons. All the twelve Apostles except Orson Pratt and Eber C. Kimball, were engaged in this business, and frequently visited the room where the press was, and took turns in working it. Hyrum, at the time the press was in op- peration had a lame knee and could not get out of the house, but Joe and myself frequently visited him and discussed measures for raising the wind to purchase more stock. Joe, told me that in Ohio, he, Dr. Boynton, Lyman Wight, Oliver Cowdry and Hyrum, were engaged with others in a Bogus establishment on Licking Creek, but that their operations were cut short by the bursting of the Kirtland Bank. While the press was suspended in its operations, a man by the name of Brown, came to Nauvoo, and sold to Joe a quantity of counterfeit ten dollar Yates County bills, for twenty dollars per hun- dred. Joe and Hyrum have been frequently seen with their hands full of these bills, by many persons in Nauvoo, and by them the whole country was flooded. There is not a merchant in the city but knows this fact and also that there has been a large quantity of Bogus in circulation. The first who detected the counterfeit paper money, were Holdridge, Gilman,