



Vol. X. Springfield Illinois, July 15, 1842. No. 47.







T HE M ORMONS. Our city and county have been in a state of much excitement for a week past, growing out of the disclosures, made by G ENERAL B ENNETT , the military leader of the Nauvoo Legion, and the same gentleman appointed by Judge Douglass as Master for Chancery in Hancock County.



From the position occupied by Gen. Bennett, and his known character for fearlessness in a cause he knows to be right, the people have certain grounds of assurance that he will not be deterred from his undertaking, and that all his statements given of his own knowledge, are undeniable facts. -- People at a distance, therefore, may judge of the degree of excitement which the exposures of the pollutions and corruptions, and enormities of Joe Smith, have caused in our community.



We cannot say that all have partaken of the indignation which these disclosures should have produced. A [number?] of politicians, including our State Officers here, have felt no other interest in the matter, than as it was likely to affect the election of their candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. They have, therefore, made it their business to decry Gen. Bennett and sustain Joe Smith! The State Register is the faithful mirror of their sentiments and wishes. That paper joins with Joe Smith in traducing Gen. Bennett; and meanly intimates that he may be a horse thief! -- Shame! shame upon these allies of Smith! The same paper deprecates the disclosures of Gen. Bennett, BECAUSE they will prevent the election of Ford and Moore. Most of the editorial articles of the last Register were seemingly designed to palliate the outrages on all laws, human and divine, disclosed by General Bennett. The Register even goes so far as to say --



"Why did not Bennett wait till after the election to make his disclosures?



This question can readily be disposed of by asking another, -- if the party leaders here have not made a contract with Joe Smith for his Mormon votes, why should they, at this time, deprecate the disclosures of Gen. Bennett? The question can be answered, with truth, in no other manner than this, -- that they have contracted with Joe Smith for the Mormon votes, and they apprehend that the disclosure of Bennett, connected with the knowledge of that contract, will produce a general indignation among the people, and result, as they should do, in the most exemplary defeat of Ford and Moore, the advancement of whom was the object of this iniquitous contract.



The Register quotes an article from our paper of an old date, deprecating the introduction of the Mormon religion into politics. When that article was written, we presume no man believed that the Mormon religion permitted such atrocities as have been disclosed by Gen. Bennett. We received the Mormons into this State as we did every other sect. Disclosures have shown that the head of that church acts not under the influence of that pure religion which Jesus Christ established upon the earth; and that his vaulting ambition would secure to himself the control of our State elections.



The Register judges well that we are opposed to the Mormon religion as illustrated by Gen. Bennett and the connexion of Mormonism with the election of Ford and Moore. We are glad that Gen. Bennett has made his disclosures before the election; -- because they will open the eyes of the people and will prevent the success of that FOUL PLOT that INFAMOUS BARGAIN -- between the Register and other heads of the party and Joe Smith, to secure the election of Thomas Ford and John Moore, with Mormon votes, and to give Joe Smith what he already claims, "the power to dictate to the State."





MORE DISCLOSURES. We have reason to believe that Gen. Bennett is now in St. Louis, or at the residence of Gov. Reynolds, at Jefferson City, for the purpose of making disclosures in relation to the attempted murder of Gov. LILBURN W. BOGGS . Gen. Bennett has not undertaken this thing without what he deems conclusive evidence. We trust, if a demand is made for Joe Smith, Judge Douglass will not again discharge him under a writ of Habeas Corpus; and that no political considerations will prevent his having a full, fair and impartial trial, for this and other charges, by the authorities of Missouri.





BENNETT'S SECOND AND THIRD LETTERS. We publish this week the second number of General Bennett's "disclosures" of Joe Smith's villainy and imposture, which surpasses in criminality and infamy, any thing that has been brought to light in the history of civilized society, -- which must, we think, arouse the indignation of every friend of morality, and the peace and happiness of civil society. Enough had been disclosed heretofore to have satisfied every intelligent mind that Joe Smith was the greatest knave and impostor of modern times; but never until now has there been any tangible legal evidence of the fact. If it be true, as charged by Joe Smith, and the friends of the Mormon candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor ( FORD AND MOORE ) that the testimony of Gen. Bennett is unworthy of credence, yet there are circumstances, and other collateral evidence, going to establish the charges, that cannot be resisted without a violation of every principal of legal evidence.



As long ago as 1839, the existence of this murderous "Danite Band," and the object contemplated by its organization, was disclosed by a gentleman in Missouri, who had become satisfied of the imposture of Joe Smith, and the dangerous and disorganizing tendency of his doctrines. We have the pamphlet of Mr. JOHN CORRELL now before us, from which we make the following extract:



"Some time in June last (1838) a few individuals began to form a society that should be agreed in all things. In order to do this, they bound themselves under very close restrictions. As this society began to increase they secretly entered into solemn covenants, before God, and bound themselves under oath to keep the secrets of the society, and covenanted to stand by one another in difficulty, whether right or wrong, but said they would correct each other's wrongs among themselves. As the presidency stood next to God, or between God and the church, and was the oracle through which the word and will of God was communicated to the church, they esteemed it very essential to have their word, or the word of God through them, strictly adhered to. They, therefore entered into a covenant, that the word of the presidency should be obeyed, and none should be suffered to raise his hand or voice against it; for, as they stood at the head of the church, it was considered no more than reasonable that they knew more of the will of God than any others did; consequently, all things must be in submission to them, and, moreover, all tattling, lying, and backbiting must be put down, and he that would not submit willingly should be forced to it, or leave the county.



"But, now [it] began to be taught that the church, instead of God, or rather the church in the hands of God, was to bring about these things; and I was told, but I cannot vouch for the truth of it, that some of them went so far as to contrive plans how they might scatter poison, pestilence, and disease, among the inhabitants, and make them think it was judgment sent from God. But here let me remark, that this was known only to some half dozen or so of the leaders, and not to the church, nor even the great majority of this secret society. I accused Smith and Rigdon of it, but they both denied it promptly. Be this as it may, this faction intended to set up a monarchical government, in which the presidency should tyrannize and rule over all things. In fact, there was so much tyranny and oppression exercised, that for several weeks many persons dare not speak their minds, nor let them be known; and I have learned of late, that a constitution was formed, savoring all the spirit of monarchy, and adopted by the leaders and some others of this society; but I conclude that but few knew about it, for I never heard one lisp on the subject, until Arvered exposed it, after he was arrested.



"Some individuals went so far as to state, that they would kill any person, if the presidency would say it was the will of God; for these things were necessary sometimes to save the church from corruption and destruction. All the while it was preached to them that they must purify themselves from all evil, for the time was now at hand when every thing that offended in the kingdom of God must be cast out. This they determined to do, whether by fair means or foul, regardless of consequences. They sometimes went by the name of the Big Fan; this, I supposed, was figurative of their intentions to cleanse the chaff from the wheat. They also assumed the name of "The Daughter of Zion," and afterwards [were] called "Danites."



The attempted assassination of Governor Boggs, of Missouri, under the circumstances, and the murder and mysterious disappearance of individuals who had refused implicit obedience to the "Lord's Anointed," (Joe Smith). that have recently occurred, together with the statements of Gen. Bennett, corroborated by the affidavits of unimpeachable witnesses, are calculated to excite serious alarm and apprehension throughout this community, and call loudly upon the legal authorities of the State for their interference.



We regard the lives of those who have had the moral firmness to lend their aid in bringing to light the villainy of this arch impostor, as an imminent danger, and we should not be surprised at any time to hear of their assassination, or mysterious disappearance. We know that the life of Gov. Duncan has already been threatened publicly, and who among us is safe from vile assassination while sitting around the domestic fireside, if he shall dare to question the truth of the book of Mormon, or the infallibility of their prophet Joe Smith, so long as this murderous band of "Danites" are suffered to go at large?



That there are many good and conscientious people among the Mormons, who have been the dupes of the impostor, we do not entertain a doubt; but all who adhere to Joe Smith, after these proofs of his knavery, must be regarded by the world as deluded creatures, and entitled to their commiseration; or as willing participators in his impious frauds and debaucheries.



We hope Gen. Bennett will continue his investigations and developments, regardless of the abuse and calumny so lavishly bestowed upon him by our political opponents, led on by Joe Smith in person; and that those to whom he has referred for confirmation of his statements, will have the moral and physical courage to speak out boldly, and tell what they know from the sad experience of the frauds and imposture of the infamous Prophet, and cunning knave, Joe Smith. They owe it to their own characters for integrity; and to the thousands of their deluded fellow sufferers; and above all they owe it to their GOD and their COUNTRY!



We repeat, that sense of duty to the community in which we live, impels us to call upon Messrs. ORSON PRATT, SIDNEY RIGDON, GEORGE W. ROBINSON, WILLIAM MARKS and FRANCIS M. HIGBEE , not to disappoint public expectation at this eventful crisis, but to come out like honest and pure men, and expose the corruptions of the impostor. We appeal to them, as they love their country -- as they would enjoy the respect of others and of themselves -- as they would do eternal honor to their own reputation -- to come out in full, NOW, and speak fearlessly like men, and secure the respect of the good and patriotic of all parties, and of all sects, and of all men.



With the same purpose we would also implore Messrs. CHAUNCEY L. HIGBEE, HENRY MAIKER , Mrs. SARAH M. PRATT , Miss. NANCY RIGDON, and Miss MITCHELL , all of Nauvoo; and Rev. SAMUEL JAMES , and Capt. JOHN F. OLNEY KILBOURN'S, of Montrose, Iowa; to come out with published statements, as to their own knowledge of Smith's lascivious and hellish acts. The columns of this paper may be freely used for placing such statements before the world. The publications made by Gen. Bennett are believed by all men, -- and those gentlemen and ladies owe it to their self-respect, to their high regard for the morals and good of society, to come forth now and hold up the impostor and his acts in their naked deformity before the world; -- and thus secure for themselves the approbation of their own consciences and of all those who did not regard the election of Thomas Ford and John Moore above every other earthly consideration.





FURTHER MORMON DEVELOPMENTS!!

2d LETTER FROM GEN. BENNETT.

Gen. Bennett held in Duresse -- Joe Smith threatens to give him over to the Danites for execution -- Col. Higbee's affidavit, that Smith recommended the murder of Bennett for the good of the church -- The "fulfillment of prophecy" -- attempted murder of Gov. Boggs -- reparations for defending Joe Smith -- application to Gov. Carlin -- Joe details a court martial to try Gen. Bennett for treason!!!! -- strange givings out concerning a murder in Missouri -- Bennett followed by Danites to Springfield -- Joe Smith approaches Mrs. Pratt for base purposes "in the name of the Lord" -- she is proof against his villainy -- Joe sacrifices lambs when he meets defeat -- further particulars of his attacks upon Miss Rigdon, and of the heroic virtue with which she baffled the seducer -- case of Miss Martha Brotherton, of Warsaw -- affidavit of Gen. Bennett, detailing some of Joe's enormities -- comments -- affidavit of Mrs. Schindle --





For the Sangamo Journal.

C ARTHAGE , Hancock County,)

July 2, A. D. 1842.





To the Editor of the Journal,

I am now in this place, in order to attend to some of my official duties, as Master in Chancery; and having some leisure time, I shall proceed with my history of Joe Smith and his Saints -- It is my determination to state facts, and such facts as will arouse the public indignation, if there is yet virtue and courage left in man -- for we are exhorted to be enterprising and courageous -- but the beast and false prophet (Joe Smith) shall tremble in the days of his captivity like an aspen leaf in the wilderness. The "Lord's anointed," as Joe is called, must be washed in the laver of the law until his polluted carcass, and corrupt soul, shall be purified by fire. And to begin:





1st. THE DURESSE . -- On the 17th day of May, A.D. 1842, Joe Smith requested to see me alone in the preparation room of the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., on some important business. We entered, and he locked the door, put the key in his pocket, and drew a pistol on me and said -- "The peace of my family requires that you should sign an affidavit, and make a statement before the next City Council, on the 19th, exonerating me from all participation whatever, either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, in the spiritual wife doctrine, or private intercourse with females in general; and if you do not do it with apparent cheerfulness, I will make catfish bait of you or deliver you to the Danites for execution tonight -- for my dignity and purity must and shall be maintained before the public, even at the expense of life, -- will you do it or die?" I replied that he had better procure some other person or persons to do so, as there were a plenty who could do it in truth. "No," said he "that will not do -- for it is known that you are well acquainted with all my private acts, better than any other man, and it is in your power to save me or damn me; and as you have now withdrawn from the church in an honorable manner, over my own signature, a privilege never granted to any other person, you must and shall, place it out of your power to injure me or the church, -- do it or the Mississippi is your portion -- will you do it"? I remarked that it was a hard case, and that I would leave peaceably, and without any public exposition, if he would excuse me. He replied, "I tell you as I was once told, 'your die is cast -- your fate is fixed -- your doom is sealed,' if you refuse. Will you do it, or die?" I remarked that I would, under the circumstances, but that it was hard to take the advantage of an unarmed man. "If you tell that publicly," said he, "death is your portion -- remember the Danites!" He then unlocked the door -- we went into the room below, and I gave the affidavit as subscribed before Alderman Wells, (who was then doing business in the lower room), and made the statement required before the City Council on the 19th. I was not aware until Sunday last that any other person was apprized of the fact of the threat of murder, but on that day Colonel Francis M. Higbee told me in the presence of General George W. Robinson, that if it came to the worst, he was in possession of a secret that would open the eyes of the people, and that he would file his affidavit if necessary; but he would not tell me what the secret was. -- General Robinson, however, informed me afterwards that it was a knowledge of Joe's threats of murder. On the 30th of June, 1842, I called upon Colonel Higbee, for his affidavit, which was taken before General Hiram Kimball, an Alderman of the city, and is in the following words, to wit:



State of Illinois, )

Hancock County, ) ss.



Personally appeared before me, Hiram Kimball, an Alderman of the city of Nauvoo, Francis M. Higbee, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that Joseph Smith told him that John C. Bennett could be easily put aside or drowned, and no person would be the wiser for it, so, that it ought to be attended to; -- and he further remarked that the sooner this was done the better for the Church, fearing, as he said, that Bennett would make some disclosures prejudicial to said Smith. This was about the time of Bennett's withdrawal from the Church, or a short time before -- and further this deponent saith not.

FRANCIS M. HIGBEE.





Sworn to and subscribed this 30th day of June, A. D. 1842.

HIRAM KIMBALL, Alderman.



and further this deponent saith not.





My affidavit, and statement, under DURESSE , were published in the Nauvoo Wasp of the 25th of June, 1842. Is it not high time that this band of murders should be made to feel the just penalty of the law? It is certainly a most alarming state of society when men are above the reach of the law, and free to perpetrate the blackest crimes of cruelty and oppression. All this in a land of boasted freedom! Great God! where is the arm of power! Where is liberty, and the rights of man? Arise, ye officers of justice, and assert the majesty of your insulted laws. Let the sound of the clarion give the alarm! and horsemen and chariots will tell the story, until one stone shall not be left upon another, or a vestige of iniquity and crime to pollute the goodly land.





2nd. THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY . -- In 1841, Joe Smith predicted or prophesied in a public congregation in Nauvoo, that Lilburn W Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, should die by violent hands within one year. From one or two months prior to the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, Mr. O. P. Rockwell left Nauvoo for parts unknown to the citizens at large. I was then on terms of close intimacy with Joe Smith, and asked him where Rockwell had gone? "Gone," said he, " GONE TO FULFILL PROPHECY !" Rockwell returned to Nauvoo the day before the report of the assassination reached there and the Nauvoo Wasp remarked, "It yet remains to be known who did the noble deed!" Rockwell remarked to a person now in Nauvoo, and whose name I forbear to mention for the present, from motives of prudence and safety to the person, but which shall be forthcoming in due time, that he had "been all over Upper Missouri, and all about where Boggs lives," and this was communicated to me by that person before I withdrew from the church, and we had considerable conversation upon that daring act. Rockwell s a Danite. Joe's public memory is very treacherous on this subject, I presume; but his private memory is so good that he had a guard around his house every night, with the State cannon and a full supply of small arms, for the protection of his person against any attempted arrest. -- He, likewise, requested me to write to Gov. Carlin for his protection, which I agreed to do, and accordingly did, asking the Governor whether he would be protected from any illegal act of violence, -- to which the Governor replied that ALL citizens should receive equal protection, but that he knew of no privileged man or order of men, and that the dignity of the State should be preserved according to the strict letter of the constitution and the laws. This letter I refused to show to Joe, as open hostilities had come between us, and he accordingly detailed a Court Martial to try me for treason against the citizens of the State of Illinois!!! This Court I regarded as illegal and treated with the utter contempt which such an assemblage of inferior officers will always receive at my hands. Now I call upon Colonel Francis M. Higbee to come out and tell what he told General Robinson and myself in relation to the MURDER of a certain prisoner in Missouri. Col. Higbee, do not fear to tell the dreadful story -- tell exactly how Joe had the murder done up, and what part he ORDERED you to take in the affair, but which you did NOT take. Tell it as Robinson knows it, and as you told me, and DO NOT FEAR Gov. Reynolds will make another demand, and Joe shall be delivered over. I will visit Missouri and tell the dreadful story. Let the call be made, and the laws shall be executed.





3d. My late visit to Springfield. On my arrival in Carthage I found, as all the citizens well know, that I was followed by Mr. O. P. Rockwell, a Danite, who on his arrival late in the night, made strict enquiries as to where I was -- his ostensible business was to put a letter in the post office!! but judge ye the real design. I was prepared for the gentleman and he approached me not; but another swift rider, Captain John D. Parker, another Danite, followed me to Springfield, to carry a letter to Dr. Helm; but he had another object, and you may well suppose what it was. I told Captain Parker that I was aware of his object, but I feared him not. At Virginia, in Cass County, on my return, Parker met me again, and I called the attention of the stage driver to him, who thereupon put two additional balls into his pistol, and then informed me that he was ready for him or any other person having the same object in view. Many of the Danites have been around me, in Nauvoo for the purpose of secret murder, in order to save the arch impostor, Joe from public infamy.





4th. Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, of the University of the city of Nauvoo. Joe Smith stated to me at an early day in the history of that city, that he intended to make that amiable and accomplished lady one of his spiritual wives, for the Lord had given her to him, and he requested me to assist him in consummating his hellish purposes, but I told him that I would not do it -- that she had been much neglected and abused by the church during the absence of her husband in Europe, and that if the Lord had given her to him he must attend to it himself. I will do it, said he, for there is no harm in it if her husband should never find it out. I called upon Mrs. Pratt and told that Joe contemplated an attack on her virtue, in the name of the Lord, and that she must prepare to repulse him in so infamous an assault. She replied, "Joseph cannot be such a man. I cannot believe it until I know it for myself or have it from his own lips; he cannot be so corrupt." Well, I replied, you will see unless he changes his mind; accordingly in a few days Joe proposed to me to go to Ramus with him. I consented to go, and we started from his house about 4 o'clock P. M., rode into the prairie a few miles, and returned to the house of Captain John T. Barnett, in Nauvoo, about dusk, where we put up the horse with Barnett's permission. He, Joe, pretended we were looking for thieves. We then proceeded to the house where Mrs. Pratt resided, and Joe commenced discourse as follows: "Sister Pratt, the Lord has given you to me as one of my spiritual wives. I have the blessings of Jacob granted me, as he granted holy men of old, and I have long looked upon you with favor, and hope you will not deny me." She replied: "I care not for the blessings of Jacob, and I believe in no such revelations, neither will I consent under any circumstances. I have one good husband, and that is enough for me." Joe could not come it! He then went off to see Miss _____ at the house of Mrs. Sherman. He remained with her an hour or two and then returned to Barnett's, harnessed our horse, started for Ramus, and arrived at Carthage at early breakfast. We then went to Ramus, and returned to Carthage that night, and put up at the house of Esq. Comer. Next day we returned to Nauvoo. I called upon Mrs. Pratt and asked her what she thought of Joseph? She replied, "He is a bad man beyond a doubt." Mrs. Pratt in a conversation with Mrs. Goddard, wife of Stephen H. Goddard, said, "Sister Goddard, Joseph is a corrupt man; I know it, for he made an attempt upon me." Three times afterwards he tried to convince Mrs. Pratt of the propriety of his doctrine, and she at last told him: "Joseph, if you ever attempt any thing of the kind with me again, I will tell Mr. Pratt on his return home. I will certainly do it." Joe replied, "Sister Pratt, I hope you will not expose me; if I am to suffer, all suffer; so do not expose me. Will you agree not to do so?" "If," said she, "you will never insult me again, I will not expose you unless strong circumstances require it." "Well, sister Pratt," says Joe, "as you have refused me; it becomes sin, unless sacrifice is offered;" and turning to me he said, "General, if you are my friend I wish you to procure a lamb, and have it slain, and sprinkle the door posts and the gate with its blood, and take the kidneys and entrails and offer them upon an altar of twelve stones that have not been touched with a hammer, as a burnt offering, and it will save me and my priesthood. Will you do it?" I will, I replied. So I procured the lamb from Captain John T. Barnett, and it was slain by Lieutenant Stephen H. Goddard, and I offered the kidneys and entrails in sacrifice for Joe as he desired; and Joe said, "all is now safe -- the destroying angel will pass over, without harming any of us." Time passed on in apparent friendship until Joe grossly insulted Mrs. Pratt again, after her husband had returned [home], by approaching and kissing her. This highly offended her, and she told Mr. Pratt, who was much enraged and went and told Joe never to offer an insult of the like again. Joe replied, "I did not desire to kiss her, * Bennett made me do it!" Joe, you can't come it! Mrs. Pratt is far above your foul and polluted breath, your calumny and detraction. I now appeal to Mrs. Pratt if this is not true to the very letter. Just speak out boldly.



__________

* We have omitted several names in this letter, being unwilling to injure the feelings of individuals unnecessarily. Their names however can be seen in the original manuscript by any person who desires to do so. Editor Journal.





5th. Miss Nancy Rigdon, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq. Joe Smith said to me last summer, "If you will assist me in procuring Nancy as one of my spiritual wives, I will give you five hundred dollars, or the best lot on Main Street." I replied, "I cannot agree to it. Elder Rigdon is one of my best friends, and his family are now pure and spotless, and it would be a great pity to approach the truly virtuous." "But," says Joe, "the Lord has given her to me to wife. I have the blessings of Jacob, and there is no wickedness in it. It would be wicked to approach her unless I had permission of the Lord, but as it is, it is as correct as to have a legal wife in a moral point of view." It may be so, said I, but you must see her yourself; I cannot approach her on a subject of the kind. Then I supposed the matter had ended; but at the funeral of Mr. Ephraim R. Marks, Mrs. Hyde told Miss Rigdon, that Joseph desired to see her at the printing office, where Mrs. Hyde resides, on special business. She said she would go, and accordingly did, but Joe was busily engaged at his store; Dr. Willard Richards, however, one of the holy twelve Mormon apostles, whom I had long suspected as being up to his eyes in the business with Joe, came in and said, "Miss Nancy, Joseph cannot be in today, please call again on Thursday." This she agreed to do; but she communicated the matter to Colonel Francis M. Higbee, who was addressing her, and asked his advice as to the second visit. I then came to a knowledge of the facts, and went immediately to Joe, and said to him, "Joseph, you are a Master Mason, and Nancy is a Master Mason's daughter, so stay your hand, or you will get into trouble." Joe said, "you are my enemy, and wish to oppose me." -- "No," said I, "I am not your enemy, but you had better stop where you are."



I then went to Col. Higbee and told him Joe's designs, and requested him to go immediately and see Miss Rigdon and tell her the infernal plot -- that Joe would approach her in the name of the Lord, by revelation, &c., and to put her on her guard, but advise her to go and see for herself what Joe would do. He did so, and she went down. Joe was there, and took her into a private room, LOCKED THE DOOR , and commenced by telling her that he had long loved her, and had asked the Lord for her, and that it was his holy will that he should have her -- he told her that it would not prevent her from marrying any other person -- that he had the blessings of Jacob granted to him -- and all that was right; he desired to kiss her, and wished her to kiss him, but Joe couldn't come it. She said she would alarm the neighbors if he did not open the door, and let her out -- he did so, and requested Mrs. Hyde to explain matters to her. Joe swore her to eternal secrecy. Mrs. Hyde told her that these things looked strange to her at first, but she would become more reconciled on mature reflection. Miss Rigdon replied, "I never shall." Joe agreed to write her, and did so in a few days thro' Dr. Richards. That letter is now safe in the hands of her friends. I have seen it, so has her father, and various other persons. -- On Tuesday last, Joe came up to Mr. Rigdon's, accompanied by his High Priest, Geo. Miller, of sable notoriety, for a witness, and by boisterous words and violent gestures tried to deny the attempted seduction and alarm the girl; but she told him he was a cursed liar, and that he could not face her to it. Joe then made a full acknowledgment of the whole affair. All the family, and many other persons were present. The holy George observed, "You must not harm the Lord's anointed -- the Lord will not suffer his anointed to fall!!!" Now call upon Miss Rigdon for the truth of the foregoing. Joe, did you offer another lamb in sacrifice as a burnt-sin offering on an altar of twelve stones? If not, look out for the destroying angel, for he will surely get you.





6th. Now I call upon Miss Martha Brotherton, of Warsaw, to come out and tell boldly the base attempt on her virtue when in Nauvoo -- how she was locked up -- and the proposals that were made to her. I saw her taken to the accursed room, and now let her come out boldly and tell the corruptions of these holy men. The public requires it -- justice and honor require it.





7th. I will now append my own affidavit:



State of Illinois, ) ss.

Hancock County. )



Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposeth and saith -- that the affidavit taken before Esq. Wells on the 17th of May, and the statements before the City Council of Nauvoo on the 19th, as published in the Wasp of the 25th of June, 1842, are false, and were taken under Duresse as stated in this letter -- that he has seen Joseph Smith in bed with Mrs. Fuller,



[[unconfirmed section, reportedly in this statement: and Mrs. _____, and that he has seen him in the act of cohabitation with Mrs. _____, and Mrs. _____, all four of whom he seduced by telling them that the Lord had granted the blessings of Jacob, and that there was no sin in it -- that he told him that Bates Noble married him to _____ _____, and that Brigham Young married him to _____ _____, and that he had free access to Mrs. _____, Mrs. _____, Mrs. _____, and various others, whose husbands he had sent off preaching, and not now necessary to mention -- and further this deponent saith not. end of unconfirmed section]]



JOHN C. BENNETT.



Sworn to and subscribed this 2nd day of July, 1842.

S AMUEL M ARSHALL , J. P.

(seal.)





It is quite likely that many of the persons whom I have named in my affidavit, and many others whom I may hereafter name, will flounder, but the truth shall now come, and stand in bold relief before the world. Most of the Mormons will swear to any thing that Joe tells them to, and the public must look for it. -- All, therefore, who remain after these astounding disclosures, must be branded with infamy, as they will undoubtedly be partakers in their adulteries, thefts, robberies, and murders.





8th. Mrs. Melissa Schindle, wife of Col. George Schindle. -- I now proceed to give the affidavit of Mrs. Schindle, which is in the following words, to wit:



State of Illinois, ) ss.

McDonough County.)



Personally appeared before me, Abraham Fulkerson, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, Melissa Schindle, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that in the fall of 1841, she was staying one night with the widow Fuller, who has recently been married to a Mr. Warren, in the city of Nauvoo, and that Joseph Smith came into the room where she was sleeping about 10 o'clock at night, and after making a few remarks came to her bed-side, and asked her if he could have the privilege of sleeping with her. She immediately replied NO. He, on the receipt of the above answer told her it was the will of the Lord that he should have illicit intercourse with her, and that he never proceeded to do any thing of that kind with any woman without first having the will of the Lord on the subject; and further he told her that if she would consent to let him have such intercourse with her, she could make his house her home as long as she wished to do so, and that she should never want for anything it was in his power to assist her to -- but she would not consent to it. He then told her that if she would let him sleep with her that night he would give her five dollars -- but she refused all his propositions. He then told her that she must never tell of his propositions to her, for he had ALL influence in that place, and if she told he would ruin her character, and she would be under the necessity of leaving. He then went to an adjoining bed where the Widow ____ was sleeping -- got into bed with her and laid there until about 1 o'clock, when he got up, bid them good night, and left them, and further this deponent saith not.



M ELISSA (her X mark) S CHINDLE . Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 2d day July, 1842.

A. FULKERSON, J. P. (seal).





Joe, did you offer another sacrifice? If not, the destroying angel will come -- but as you succeeded with Mrs. Fuller, that night, as you told me, that may take off the cure. Joe says "there are wonderful things in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea."



I must now bring this short letter to a close, but will write in a few days.



Yours, respectfully.

JOHN C. BENNETT





We understand from individuals from the South part of the State, that the murder in Jackson County, is producing great excitement in all that region. The particulars, as given by the brother of the murdered man, in a subsequent column, for the Kaskaskia Republican, are fully confirmed by them. It is believed that the murder was the work of some of the Danites, who were sent about to make collections from the Mormons for the building of the temple at Nauvoo.





THE DANITES -- FOUR MURDERS! We copy the following from the Kaskaskia Republican. It has long been understood that Committees were sent about the country from the establishment at Nauvoo, requiring the members of Joe Smith's church to pay "tithes and offerings" for the purpose of building the Temple or fortifications at that place. The commands of Joe in this particular are, we suppose, to be implicitly obeyed. In the case before us, the individual who declined the order of Joe's servants, paid the penalty of the refusal. His house was robbed and himself shot dead in his field!



From the Kaskaskia Republican. $200 R EWARD .

MURDER MOST HORRIBLE. One of the most horrid and atrocious murders was committed on the person of my brother, John Stephenson in Jackson county, Illinois, on the 2d day of June, 1842, perhaps in the whole catalogue or annals of crime. All that is known of the circumstances attending the perpetration of the dark and hellish deed is that my brother was ploughing in the field -- his wife from home and no person being at the house, the foul fiend entered the house, broke open his trunk in search of money, as is supposed, but as my brother had but four or five days previously been to the land office and purchased land, there was but three dollars in the trunk. The wretch then took the gun of the deceased, and from every appearance, concealed himself near the fence and awaited the approach of the deceased, and as he was coming round, shot him down with his own gun.



The deceased was as harmless and quiet a man as ever lived -- it is not known or believed that he had an enemy upon the earth.



Myself and deceased brother joined the Mormons some two years since. -- On the 27th day of May, 1842, six days before my brother was murdered, Brown and Abbot, two Mormons, called upon us for contributions of property and money to aid in building the Temple at Nauvoo; and upon our refusal to give up to them the amount demanded, the said two Mormons by way of threatening us said, "we might think ourselves well off if we had our property long," They, the said Mormons, further told us, that they had stock to drive, and had but one dollar and twenty-five cents, and money they must have, let it come from where it would; and they did not take care where it came from;" they also said if we would take our money to Crow's, in the six mile prairie in Perry county, on the Saturday following, they would receive it, and all should be right.



It is impossible for suspicion to attach to any person but a Mormon in the neighborhood as being concerned with this horrid deed; and it is believed from all the circumstances, that the said two Mormons are connected with the bloody and foul transaction.



The gun taken is a rifle, with a plain walnut stock, iron guard and thimbles; no other mounting; the shot sling is of wolf skin, and the powder horn had the name of Stephenson cut on it. There was a large butcher knife in the scabbard attached to the strap of the shot sling. This gun carries about sixty-five balls to the pound. The murderers took from the trunk a large morocco pocket book with three dollars in specie -- one Mexican dollar, which had been tried at the land office with aqua fortis, and which made a black spot on the impress of the head, the rest of the money was in bits and quarters, with a hole in each piece.



A reward of two hundred dollars will be given for the apprehension of the murderer or murderers.



All papers friendly to the cause of right and justice please give the above one insertion in their columns.

E DWARD S TEPHENSON .

Jackson County, Ill., June 4, 1842.



Why is not the account of this horrid affair published in the State Register? That paper has many subscribers in the lower part of the State. Does the Register editor fear that his ally, Joe Smith -- to whom he looks for some hundreds of votes for Thomas Ford and Moore -- will dislike the publication of this murder in this paper. Does the Register wish to smother up this MORMON MURDER to ingratiate himself still further into the favor of Joe Smith?



We believe that this is the first time in our State when [the] account of a BLOODY MURDER was sought to be suppressed for political purposes; to help the election of party candidates.



We understand that this murder has produced great excitement in the South part of the State. A fellow citizen murdered because he would not give up his property to a Mormon for the purpose of building the Temple and Fort at Nauvoo! What think you of this, citizens of Illinois, and of the refusal of the State Register, until perhaps forced by this article, to give the astounding facts to the public -- because it might operate against the election of the Mormon candidates -- Thomas Ford and John Moore!





PAINFUL! It is currently reported about town, that our amiable neighbor of the Register is in a great passion against Gen. Bennett, and even threatens to lick him. We regret this, as our neighbor is in delicate health, and his present excitement will be likely to produce irritation in the seat of disease.





G ENERAL B ENNETT'S T HIRD L ETTER.



Further facts in relation to Joe Smith's application for the benefits of the Bankrupt Law --- Joe Smith made sole trustee of the Mormon Church DURING LIFE with plenary powers to manage, control and convey the property of the Church --- evidence from the Records of Hancock County of Joe's putting his property out of his hands, before applying for the benefit of the Bankrupt Law --- Joe makes his family rice, including his infant children --- Gen. Robinson and Col. Higbee, and others called upon to state facts within their own knowledge in reference to Joe's swindling transactions --- Messrs. Kilbourne of Montrose, Iowa, also called upon to state facts in reference to thefts and robberies committed by the Danite Band --- Joe's "White purchase." called Church property, scheduled among his assets, because, as it was supposed, he had not paid for it --- securing spiritual wives --- some honest individuals not allowed to possess all the secrets of this order --- Messrs. Rigdon, Pratt, and Marks called upon to come out and state facts, knowing as they do the unvarnished truth of Bennett's statements -- Notice of Joe's letter to Gen. Robinson -- Joe's violation of his obligations as a Mason in making Masons in an irregular lodge -- Joe's threats that if the Grand Lodge could not approve of his acts "it might go to the devil" -- Bennett about leaving for Missouri, to make disclosures, relative to the attempted murder of Boggs and perhaps others, which may assure for Joe Smith, the great champion of Thomas Ford and John Moore, (see Joe Smith's Proclamation) a more elevated position than with all his ambition he aspires to --- Look out for breakers.



Carthage, Ills., July 4, 1842.

To the Editor of the Journal:



In your paper of the 1st inst., you call upon me, and others to make some disclosures in relation to Joe Smith, the arch-impostor, to which I now proceed to respond. I have already written you two letters on the subject; one of which I presume you have received before this, and the other will reach you in a few days. I will now give you some singular facts.



1st. JOE'S BANKRUPT APPLICATION. -- The Bankrupt Law, section 2, provides that no conveyances of property shall be made in contemplation of bankruptcy, subsequent to the 1st. of January, 1841; and an Act concerning Religious Societies, under which the Mormon Church was incorporated, provides for the appointment of TRUSTEES , not a SOLE TRUSTEE IN TRUST , who are authorized "to purchase a quantity of land not exceeding five acres." &c. &c. See act approved Feb. 6, 1842.



From a Book of Mortgages and Bongs, page 95

City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ills. )

Feb'y 2d, A. D. 1842) To the County Recorder of the County of Hancock:



Dear Sir -- At a meeting of the "Church of Latter Day Saints" at this place, on Saturday the 30th day of January, A. D. 1841, I was elected sole Trustee for said Church, to hold my office during life, (my successor to be the first Presidency of said Church), and vested with plenary powers as sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to receive, acquire, manage and convey property, real, personal, or mixed, for the sole use and benefit of said church, agreeable to the provisions of an act entitled "An act concerning Religious Societies," approved February 6, 1835.

J OSEPH S MITH , (L. S.)



State of Illinois,) ss.

Hancock County, )



This day personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, a Justice of the peace, within and for the county of Hancock aforesaid, Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson and John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn depose and say that the foregoing certificates of Joseph Smith is true.

I SAAC G ALLAND

R. B. T HOMPSON

J OHN C. B ENNETT.

Sworn to and subscribed this third day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, before me,

DANIEL H. WELLS, Justice of the Peace.





Compendious extracts from the Records of Hancock County: In Book R, page 21, there is a deed from Joseph Smith and wife to Julia M. Smith, Joseph Smith, jr., F. G. W. Smith and Alexander Smith, (the first an adopted daughter, and the remainder all small children of Joseph and Emma Smith), executed Dec. 21, 1841, and recorded January 1st, 1842, for lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, block 12 in the city of Nauvoo, -- for the consideration of "one hundred dollars to them in hand paid," -- property worth about three thousand dollars.



Another in the same book, page 151, from the same to the same, (Joseph Smith and his wife to their children, executed March 17th, 1842, and recorded April 9th, 1842, for the east half of the south east 31, 5 north, 8 west; and west half of north-east five, and east half of north-east 6, 4 north, 8 west -- for the consideration of two thousand dollars.



Another in the same book (R.) pages 159, 160, and 161, from Joseph Smith and wife to Joseph Smith, as sole Trustee in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, executed Oct. 5th, 1841, and recorded April 8th, 1842, (the same day he visited Carthage to file his schedule for bankruptcy) and I have no doubt the deed was executed on the 16th or 17th of April, 1842, and dated back to Oct. 5th, 1841, for so Joe informed me, and Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sherman and others, of Carthage, will state that the writing was fresh, and changed materially in appearance soon after, for ($230) two hundred and thirty lots, or thereabouts, mostly of the "White Purchase," for the consideration of "the sum of one dollar to them in hand paid, on a just and lawful settlement between themselves in person, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. -- (Property worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand dollars, at the rate that Joe is selling it).



Another in book I, page 329, from Ebenezer F. Wiggins to Emma Smith, executed May 15th, 1841, and recorded June 30th, 1841, for west half of northwest quarter 30, 7 north, 8 west, and the west half of north-east 30, 7 north, 8 west, for the consideration of ($2,700), two thousand seven hundred dollars -- ([s]aid for by Joe, and worth about three thousand dollars).



Another in the same book (I.) page 243, from Daniel H. Wells and wife to Joseph Smith, jr., (Joe's son), executed May 5th, 1841, and recorded May 6th, 1841, for lots 1 and 4, block 22, in Wells' addition to Nauvoo, for the consideration of one hundred dollars.



Another in the same book, page 354, from Robert B. Thompson and wife to Emma Smith, (Joe's wife), executed July 24th, 1841, and recorded July 27th, 1841, for south-east fractional quarter of section 2, north 6, 9 west, containing 123 43/100 acres, for the consideration of ($4,000), four thousand dollars.



Another in the same book, page 355, from same to Frederick G. W. Smith, (Joe's son), executed July 24th, 1841, and recorded July 27th, 1841, for part of block 156, in Nauvoo,, for the consideration of ($500), five hundred dollars.



If an official certificate is required, call upon Chauncey Robinson, Esq., the Recorder of Hancock, and he will certify that these are correct extracts from the county records. -- There are various other matters of record that could be made to operate against this king of swindlers and impostors, Joe Smith; but I presume that the foregoing will be sufficient to give him a comfortable home in the State penitentiary, at Alton, for some years to come, if Missouri does not get him first.



If oral testimony is required, call upon Gen. George W. Robinson, Col. Francis M. Higbee, and others, who are acquainted with the transactions. Call out these witnesses in relation to the SHAM sales of valuable property made to Willard Richards, N. K. Whitney, and others, by Joe, in order to prepare for the bankruptcy. The Hotchkiss purchase, called Church property -- but which is not paid for -- was given in by Joe in his schedule as his own individual property, which it undoubtedly was; but the White Purchase, (S. E. Fractional quarter of section 2, 6N. 9W.) WHICH IS PAID FOR , was deeded to Thompson, Joe's Clerk, who had no property, and from Thompson to Emma Smith, (Joe's wife) and from Joseph Smith and wife to Joseph Smith, SOLE TRUSTEE IN TRUST , &c. I now call upon General Robinson and Colonel Higbee, to come out in the Sangamo Journal, over their own names, and tell what they know of Joe's swindling operations. Come out, gentlemen, boldly; the public good requires it at your hands. -- Forbearance is no longer a virtue in this business. I call, likewise, upon Messrs. Kilbourne, of Montrose Iowa, to come out in the Journal and tell what they know of Joe's swindling in Iowa lands, and of the thefts and robberies committed by his Danite Band; and I hope they will respond to the call without delay. Let no man fear to speak out boldly. Remember that the White Purchase was CALLED church property, but it was and is Joe's own individual estate. He said in a public congregation in Nauvoo, a few weeks ago, "I own a million dollars in property, in this city, and around it." Can this swindler take the benefit of the bankrupt law! Never! No, never!! Let a prosecution be at once instituted against his holiness, and let the law have its just operations ONCE .





2nd. JOE'S HOLY LODGE CALLED "ORDER."



I alluded to this holy institution in one of my former letters. Joe says he has given them the Master's word by revelation. In the preparation they are stripped naked so as to see if they will pass the holy examination as required in Deuteronomy, 23rd chapter and 1st verse. They are then clothed upon and the precious ointment poured upon the head, running down upon the beard and the skirts of the garment. The ungodly oath, a part of which I gave you is then administered in order to prepare them for the SPIRITUAL WIFE operations, and save Joe from public disgrace and infamy. Some of them, however, are not in the SECRETS , -- They are taken in as blind in order to deceive the people. If they are charged with iniquity, they say, "Look at William Marks and others like him! Do they indulge!" No, gentlemen, but this is not exploited to THEM . Joe says, "Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, and William Marks must never know the SECRETS, or they will apostasize." Rigdon and Pratt are not yet members, however, and I hope they never will be; and Marks has a very strong squinting at apostacy. If Sidney Rigdon will suffer a base attempt on his daughter's chastity; Orson Pratt another on his wife; and William Marks will look tamely on at these disclosures, and say nothing, I am much mistaken in the man. The public look to Rigdon, Pratt and Marks and other kindred spirits, to speak at this eventful crisis -- they have seen and heard, and FELT in their own families, the corruptions of this Smith, that soul-damning impostor. Come out NOW , or bow down and lick the dust, worship at his shrine, and chain your fate to the wheels of damnation, and the car of iniquity. The issue is made up, -- it cannot be averted; and I pray God that the "bitter cup may not pass." You ALL , with Francis M. Higbee, George W. Robinson, Chauncey L. Higbee, Henry Marks, and hundreds of others, KNOW that I have told the unvarnished truth, and the people at large will believe me, -- yes, they will believe me, tho; I have not yet told HALF THE DREADFUL STORY !! "Come out from among the ungodly, and be ye separate." Gen. Robinson writes me under date of July 3d -- Joe says to the people, "Look out! look out!!! Those men, I will venture to say; will come out on me, with all in their power, and say and do all they can to put me down; but do not believe one word of their cursed lies; for I KNOW I am Prophet." Yes, and Pratt, and Rigdon, and Robinson, and the Higbees, and the Marks, and hundreds of others KNOW you to be a LIAR, Joe, -- And Pratt and others have told you so in the face of open day. YOU LIED in the name of the Lord!!! Remember that, you base blasphemer, -- remember that, and weep! -- Look at your black catalogue of crimes -- your seductions and attempted seductions in the name of your Maker -- your thefts -- your robberies -- and your murders! Why, Satan blushes to behold so corrupt and loathsome a mortal, -- one whose daring deeds of crime so far surpass hell's darkest counsels, as to hide the sable Prince in impenetrable darkness forever!





3rd. NAUVOO LODGE, U. D. The original records show that Joseph Smith, Job Snyder, Brigham Young, Peter Haws, Willard Richards, and one other, I think Adara Lyman, were initiated, passed and raised, before the installation of the Lodge, and all but one have passed through since, -- Joe by the hands of the Grand Master Jones, and the remainder by other brethren. That record was sealed up, and a new one commenced -- the second was sealed up, and a third commanded, -- and then a new record book procured and such parts copied as they were willing should go out to the Grand Lodge, and such only.



Let the original book be produced and these facts will appear -- I stand pledged that they shall appear. A part of the original record is in my hand writing, as all know; and if they will produce a record that has any of my hand writing in it, (for the new one has nothing but my name), I will show all the facts unless the leaves have been torn out. Mr. Stoddard was suspended for blackballing Mr. Sessions, but it was not put to record. The charge of H. G. Sherwood and Samuel H. Smith, against Robert D. Foster, during the trial of which Foster received such a severe rebuke by Joe, never appeared upon record, and Joe said, as the case was likely to effect his brother Samuel, "I will see the records in hell and burn this house, before it shall be said that a Smith ever failed to accomplish a thing he undertook, or before anything shall be recorded that may ever operate against Samuel -- and if we can't get a charter without that, the Grand Lodge may go to the Devil." Is this not so? I appeal to George W. Robinson, Francis M. Higbee, and Hiram Kimball, all Master Masons. These are only some of the actings and doings of the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., under the Supervision of Joe and his servile priest, George Miller -- the little creature that does Joe's dirty work. Let the Grand Lodge look to this. Why does not Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., deal with Joe for the attempted seduction of Nancy Rigdon, a Master Mason's daughter, and for the actual seduction of several Master Masons' wives and sisters and daughters! -- Simply because they say Joe is a Prophet, and the Lord's anointed must not be harmed; the Lord will not suffer his anointed to fall! O, tempore! O, mores!





4th. I am now going over to Missouri to have Joe taken to justice; and then I am going to New York to publish a book, to be called "The History of the Saints," in which I shall tell most of the actings and doings at Nauvoo for the last two years, of most of their great men, and some of their great women, too; so look out for breakers. We shall have full disclosures if the Danites don't catch me -- they are after me like prowling wolves, by Joe's special orders. In haste,

Yours respectfully,

J OHN C. B ENNETT .

T HE M ORMONS. Our city and county have been in a state of much excitement for a week past, growing out of the disclosures, made by General Bennett, the military leader of the Nauvoo Legion, and the same gentleman appointed by Judge Douglass as Master in Chancery in Hancock County.



From the position occupied by Gen. Bennett, and his known character for fearlessness in a cause he knows to be right, the people have certain grounds of assurance that he will not be deterred from his undertaking, and that all his statements given of his own knowledge, are undeniable facts. -- People at a distance, therefore, may judge of the degree of excitement which the exposure of the pollutions and corruptions, and enormities of Joe Smith, have caused in our community.



We cannot say that all have partaken of the indignation which these disclosures should have produced. I know of politicians, including our State officers here, have felt no other interest in the matter, than as it was likely to affect the election of their candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. They have, therefore, made it their business to decry Gen. Bennett and sustain Joe Smith! The State Register is the faithful mirror of their sentiments and wishes. That paper joins with Joe Smith in traducing Gen. Bennett; and meanly intimates that he may be a horse thief! -- Shame! shame upon these allies of Smith! The same paper deprecates the disclosures of Gen. Bennett, BECAUSE they will prevent the election of Ford and Moore. Most of the editorial articles of the last Register were seemingly designed to palliate the outrages on all laws, human and divine, disclosed by Gen. Bennett. The Register even goes so far as to say --



"Why did not Bennett wait till after the election to make his disclosures?"



This question can readily be disposed of by asking another, -- if the party leaders here have not made a contract with Joe Smith for his Mormon votes, why should they, at this time, deprecate the disclosures of Gen. Bennett? The question can be answered with Joe Smith, with truth, in no other manner than this, -- that they have contracted with Joe Smith for the Mormon votes, and they apprehend that the disclosures of Bennett, connected with the knowledge of that contract, will produce a general indignation among the people, and result, as they should do, in the most exemplary defeat of Ford and Moore, the advancement of whom was the object of this iniquitous contract.



The Register judges well that we are opposed to the Mormon religion as illustrated by Gen. Bennett and the connexion of Mormonism with the election of Ford and Moore. We are glad that Gen. Bennett has made his disclosures before the election, -- because they will open the eyes of the people, and will prevent the success of that Foul Plot -- that Infamous Bargain -- between the Register and other heads of the party and Joe Smith, to secure the election of Thomas Ford and John Moore, with Mormon votes, and to give Joe Smith, what he already claims, "the power to dictate to the State." --





We caution the Register against making too abusive attacks upon General Bennett. 'He could a tale unfold," which would not be very pleasant to some of the Register's particular friends, and which, in their present state of humiliation, we have no wish to publish. "A word to the wise," &c.





Gen. James Adams, Joe Smith's Agent in this city, is now in active communication with Judge Ford's friends here. The object is understood to be to counteract the effects of the exposures of Gen. Bennett.





Gen. Bennett has resigned the office Master in Chancery for Hancock County into the hands of Judge Douglass. Who will be his successor? George Miller, the holy Joe's high priest?





We listened to a pathetic tale a day or two since, of a man who had been well off, and had been induced to join the Mormons at Nauvoo. His property had been taken from him in tithes and offerings at that place -- his family was there -- and he knew not how to get away. His mental sufferings had been great, and he shed tears while relating his story. -- We doubt not that there are hundreds in his condition; and these are the men whose votes Lieutenant General Joe Smith directs to be given to Ford and Moore.





F ROM N AUVOO. We have late information from Nauvoo. Joe Smith anticipates a requisition upon Gov. Carlin from Gov. Reynolds of Missouri, for his person; and is determined not to be given up. He has all the State Arms, -- some twenty or thirty cannons -- a large number of muskets, yagers, pistols, and cutlasses -- all belonging to the State, which he is prepared to use against the State authorities if they shall attempt to deliver him to Gov. Reynolds. Joe reiterates that he will not be given up -- and the Mormons say that the Prophet shall not be taken while any of them are left to defend him!



A pretty pass truly! Joe Smith, in possession of the State Arms, and defies the authorities of the State! We are informed that an application was made to the proper authorities of this State, before the Arms were taken to Nauvoo, for a portion of them to arm a military company of Macuopin County, but the application was refused! We shall soon see the consequences of Gov. Carlin's military maneuvers in this particular. But Joe Smith will find, we trust, that he is not yet able to frighten the citizens of this State. Place Gen. Duncan at the end of the Government, and Joe will find that the "youthful hero of Sandusky -- the gallant compeer of Croghan" -- will soon make the laws and constitution of the country respected and obeyed by Joe Smith and his hosts, even if they have possession of the State Arms.





Notes: (forthcoming)



