Chapter XI

ORSON PRATT SENT TO WASHINGTON AS AGENT OF NAUVOO--AMOS FIELDING TO ENGLAND, DITTO--COMMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.--CONSPIRACIES OF THE LAWS, HIGBEES, FOSTERS, ET AL. AGAINST JOSEPH SMITH--THE PROPHET'S MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS==OCCUPATION OF THE WEST CONTEMPLATED.

_Tuesday, March 12, 1844.--_At home in the morning. At eleven a.m., I told Brother Cole I wanted the room over the store for more important purposes, and wished him to remove the school to Henry Miller's house immediately; which he did.

The brethren who were in council with me yesterday assembled there in the afternoon and evening.

Gave the following recommend to Elder Orson Pratt.

_Credentials of Orson Pratt as Agent for the City of Nauvoo_.

CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 12, 1844.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:--

We, the mayor and recorder of said city, do hereby certify that
Orson Pratt, Esq., the bearer, a councilor in city council of
said city, is sent as an agent by the authorities of said city or
corporation to transact such business as he may deem expedient and
beneficial for the community which he represents; and as such agent
and gentleman of principle and character, he by us is recommended
to the due consideration of all the executive officers of the
government, both houses of Congress, and gentlemen generally of the
United States.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the
seal of said corporation at the time and place aforesaid.

[CORPORATION SEAL.]

JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor,

WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.

{263} A dull cloudy day.

[Sidenote: Co-operative Store Planned.]

A meeting of the inhabitants of the Tenth ward was held this evening at the schoolhouse on the hill, in Parley street, to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a store on the principle of co-operation or reciprocity. The subject was fully investigated, and the benefits of such an institution clearly pointed out.

The plan proposed for carrying out the object of the meeting was by shares of five dollars each.

The leading feature of the institution was to give employment to our own mechanics, by supplying the raw material, and manufacturing all sorts of domestic goods, and furnishing the necessaries and comforts of life on the lowest possible terms.

A committee was appointed to draft a plan for the government of said institute, to be submitted for adoption or amendment at their next meeting; after which an adjournment took place till next Tuesday evening, at half-past: six o'clock, at the same place.

_Wednesday, 13.--_In special council from nine to twelve a.m. Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff and James Emmett were present, in addition to those of the preceding day. Willard Richards was appointed historian, and William Clayton clerk of the council.

It was decided that Amos Fielding should return to England, when I and my brother Hyrum gave him the following letter of attorney:--

_Credentials of Elder Amos Fielding on Departing for England_.

"This is to certify that the bearer thereof, our worthy brother
Elder Amos Fielding, hath been appointed by the First Presidency
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our agent, to
transact such business as may be deemed necessary for the benefit
of said Church, and such as he shall see proper throughout the
island of Great Britain.

He is hereby authorized to receive moneys for the Temple in Nauvoo,
{264} the poor, or for the Church; and the brethren will be safe
should they deposit money in his hands for any purpose pertaining
to the Church business in this place.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and placed the
corporation seal of City of Nauvoo this 13th day of March, A. D.
1844.

[CORPORATION SEAL.]

JOSEPH SMITH,

HYRUM SMITH.

Presiding Elders of the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.

_Thursday, 14.--_In special council over the store from nine till one.

At two, went to see Brother John Wilkie. He had sent to me to come and see him. He wanted to know what he should do. I told him of the order of tithing, &c., and he wanted I should come again.

At four, went to assembly room again. Lucien Woodworth sent on a mission to Texas. At seven, adjourned to next Tuesday, at nine, a.m.

_Friday 15.--_Dull, cloudy day, north wind. Frosty night. Spent the day in council.

Being in a strait to raise money to assist the hands in the Pine country, I sent Elders Brigham and Willard Richards to borrow some money from Mr. Orme, who, it is believed, had a large sum of money lying idle, but they did not get any.

I copy from the Law of the Lord:--

_John Wilkie. The Blessing of the Prophet upon Him_.

"This day President Joseph Smith rode over to Brother John Wilkie's
at his special request, to give him some instructions relative to
his duty in regard to tithing and consecration.

Brother Wilkie has for a long time back been struggling with his
feelings, designing to do right, but laboring under many fears and
prejudices, in consequence of having in some degree given way to
believe the base reports circulated by individuals for the purpose
of injuring the authorities of the Church, and also from various
other causes. His faithful companion has persevered diligently, and
with fervent prayer has called upon God in his behalf, until she
has realized her utmost wishes.

{265} Brother Wilkie now feels anxious to do right in all things,
and especially to pay his tithing to the full. President Joseph
showed him the principles of consecration and the means whereby
he might realize the fullness of the blessings of the celestial
kingdom; and as an evidence that he desired to do right, he paid
over to the Trustee-in-Trust the sum of three hundred dollars in
gold and silver for the benefit of the Temple, and which is now
recorded on consecration.

He also signified his intention of paying more as soon as he could
get matters properly arranged. The president then pronounced a
blessing upon him and his companion, that they should have the
blessing of God to attend them in their basket and in their
store--that they should have the blessing of health and salvation
and long life, inasmuch as they would continue to walk in obedience
to the commandments of God.

May the Lord grant his Spirit and peace to abide upon Brother
Wilkie and his companion through the remainder of their days; may
their hearts expand and become enlarged to receive the fullness of
the blessings of the kingdom of heaven; may they have the light
of eternal truth continually springing up in them like a well of
living water; may they be shielded from the powers of Satan and the
influence of designing men, and their faith increase from day to
day until they shall have power to lay hold on the blessings of God
and the gifts of the Spirit until they are satisfied; and, finally,
may they live to a good old age; and when they have lived while
they desire life, may they die in peace and be received into the
mansions of eternal life, and enjoy a celestial glory forever and
ever! Even so, amen.

The editors of the _Times and Seasons_ published a short account of "Our City and the Present Aspect of Affairs," which we insert.

STATUS OF NAUVOO IN THE SPRING OF 1844.

Believing that our patrons and friends are pleased to hear of our
prosperity, we feel happy in apprising them of the same, through
the columns of our paper.

Owing to the scarcity of provision and the pressure in the money
market during the past winter, commercial business has been
somewhat dull; consequently, those who were not previously prepared
have been obliged to employ the principal portion of their time in
obtaining the necessary means for the sustenance of their families:
therefore little improvement has been made. But old Boreas is now
on his receding march, and spring has commenced its return with all
its pleasantness.

{266} Navigation is open, and steamboats are almost continually
plying up and down our majestic river. They have already brought
several families of emigrants to this place, who have cordially
joined with their friends and brethren in the great work of the
upbuilding of Zion and the rolling forth of the kingdom of God.

The work of improvement is now actively begun, and in every
direction may be heard the sound of the mason's trowel, the
carpenter's hammer, the teamster's voice, or, in other words, the
hum of industry and the voice of merriment. Indeed, to judge from
the present appearance, a greater amount of improvement will be
done the ensuing summer than in the preceding one.

Almost every stranger that enters our city is excited with
astonishment that so much has been done in so short a time; but
we flatter ourselves, from the known industry, perseverance, and
diligence of the Saints, that by the return of another winter so
much more will be accomplished, that his astonishment will be
increased to wonder and admiration.

Quite extensive preparations are being made by the farmers in this
vicinity for the cultivation of land; and should the season prove
favorable, we doubt not that nearly, if not a sufficient amount of
produce will be raised to supply the wants of the city and adjacent
country.

We are also pleased that we can inform our friends abroad that the
Saints here of late have taken hold of the work on the Temple with
the zeal and energy that in no small degree excites our admiration.
Their united efforts certainly speak to us that it is their
determination that this spacious edifice shall be enclosed, if not
finished, this season.

And a word we would say to the Saints abroad, which is, that the
Temple is being built in compliance with a special commandment of
God not to a few individuals, but to all. Therefore we sincerely
hope you will contribute of your means as liberally as your
circumstances will allow, that the burden of the work may not rest
upon a few, but proportionately upon all.

Where is the true-hearted Saint that does not with joy and delight
contemplate the endowment of the servants of God and the blessings
He has promised to His people on condition that they speedily
build the Temple? Certainly you cannot reasonably expect to enjoy
these blessings if you refuse to contribute your share towards its
erection.

It is a thing of importance, and much depends upon its
accomplishment: therefore we wish to forcibly impress the matter
upon your minds, hoping you will become aroused to a sense or
your duty--that every company of Saints, every Elder that comes
here, and every mail may bring money and other property for this
important work,--which, {267} when completed, will stand, in one
sense of the word, as a firm pillar in Zion, and which will greatly
facilitate the prosperity of the great cause of truth which we all
are actively engaged in.

_Saturday, 16.--_At home. At one p.m., I sat in council with Willard Richards, Orrin P. Rockwell, and Bishop George Miller.

The Female Relief Society had two meetings in the assembly room, as it would not hold all at once, and sanctioned the "Voice of Innocence from Nauvoo."

[Sidenote: Wind Storm at Nauvoo.]

_Sunday, 17.--_Last night, Nauvoo was visited by a very strong wind from the west. It blew down a portion of the west wall of the new hall (28 by 40 feet on the ground,) which the Seventies had commenced on Bain street, and they had raised for the roof.

The wind continued very strong all day. In the evening, had a smart snowstorm, which covered the ground, was succeeded by a frosty night.

Attended prayer meeting.

_Monday, 18.--_The frost of last night was so severe as to form ice inside the houses.

I stayed at home to recite German with Brother Neibaur.

_Tuesday, 19.--_Met in council in the assembly room. Elder Samuel Bent, Uriah Brown, Samuel James, John D. Parker, Orrin P. Rockwell, Sidney Rigdon, William Marks, and Orson Spencer met in council, in addition to the former names.

In the afternoon, heavy, driving rain. Northwest wind. Dull, cold day.

_Wednesday, 20.--_Severely cold northwest wind, with a snow and hail storm until ten a.m. Afternoon dull. West wind.

Spent the morning and afternoon in the assembly room, studying the languages.

[Sidenote: Col. Copeland and the Vice-Presidency.]

{268} Elder Woodruff read me a letter which he had written to Colonel Solomon Copeland concerning his nomination to be a candidate for the Vice-President of the United States.

The _Illinois Springfield Register_ has the following:--

GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT.

It appears by the Nauvoo papers that the Mormon Prophet is actually
a candidate for the presidency. He has sent us his pamphlet,
containing an extract of his principles, from which it appears
that he is up to the hub for a United States bank and a protective
tariff. On these points he is much more explicit than Mr. Clay,
who will not say that he is for a bank, but talks all the time of
restoring a national currency. Nor will Mr. Clay say what kind of a
tariff he is for. He says to the south that he has not sufficiently
examined the present tariff, but thinks very likely it could be
amended.

General Smith possesses no such fastidious delicacy. He comes right
out in favor of a bank and a tariff, taking the true Whig ground,
and ought to be regarded as the real Whig candidate for President,
until Mr. Clay can so far recover from his shuffling and dodging as
to declare his sentiments like a man.

At present we can form no opinion of Clay's principles, except as
they are professed by his friends in these parts.

Clay himself has adopted the notion which was once entertained by
an eminent grammarian, who denied that language was intended as a
means to express one's ideas, but insisted that it was invented on
purpose to aid us in concealing them.

The_ Iowa Democrat_ publishes the following:--

_A New Candidate in the Field_.

We see from the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ that General Joseph Smith,
the great Mormon Prophet, has become a candidate for the next
presidency. We do not know whether he intends to submit his claims
to the National Convention, or not; but, judging from the language
of his own organ, we conclude that he considers himself a full team
for all of them.

All that we have to say on this point is, that if superior talent,
genius, and intelligence, combined with virtue, integrity, and
enlarged views, are any guarantee to General Smith's being elected,
we think that he will be a "full team of himself."

{269} The _Missouri Republican_ believes that it will be death
to Van Buren, and all agree that it must be injurious to the
Democratic ranks, inasmuch as it will throw the Mormon vote out of
the field.

A traveler, having visited Nauvoo for a few days, wrote to the
_Times and Seasons_--

"Mr. Editor,--Before I take my departure, permit me to express my
views relative to the leading men of your city, where I have been
these few days.

I have been conversant with the great men of the age; and, last of
all I feel that I have met with the greatest, in the presence of
your esteemed Prophet, General Joseph Smith. From many reports, I
had reason to believe him a bigoted religionist, as ignorant of
politics as the savages; but, to my utter astonishment, on the
short acquaintance, I have found him as familiar in the cabinet of
nations as with his Bible and in the knowledge of that book I have
not met with his equal in Europe or America. Although I should beg
leave to differ with him in some items of faith, his nobleness of
soul will not permit him to take offense at me. No, sir; I find him
open, frank, and generous,--as willing others should enjoy their
opinions as to enjoy his own.

The General appears perfectly at home on every subject, and his
familiarity with many languages affords him ample means to become
informed concerning all nations and principles, which with his
familiar and dignified deportment towards all must secure to his
interest the affections of every intelligent and virtuous man that
may chance to fall in his way, and I am astonished that so little
is known abroad concerning him.

Van Buren was my favorite, and I was astonished to see General
Smith's name as a competitor; but, since my late acquaintance, Mr.
Van Buren can never re-seat himself in the Presidential chair on my
vote while General Smith is in the field. Forming my opinions alone
of the talents of the two, and from what I have seen, I have no
reason to doubt but General Smith's integrity is equal to any other
individual; and I am satisfied he cannot easily be made the pliant
tool of any political party. I take him to be a man who stands far
aloof from little caucus quibblings and squabblings, while nations,
governments, and realms are wielded in his hand as familiarly as
the top and hoop in the hands of their little masters.

Free from all bigotry and superstition, he dives into every
subject, and it seems as though the world was not large enough to
satisfy his capacious soul, and from his conversation one might
suppose him as well acquainted with other worlds as this.

So far as I can discover, General Smith is the nation's man, and
the man who will exalt the nation, if the people will give him the
opportunity; {270} and all parties will find a friend in him so far
as right is concerned.

General Smith's movements are perfectly anomalous in the estimation
of the public. All other great men have been considered wise in
drawing around them wise men; but I have frequently heard the
General called a fool because he has gathered the wisest of men
to his cabinet, who direct his movements; but this subject is too
ridiculous to dwell upon. Suffice it to say, so far as I have seen,
he has wise men at his side--superlatively wise, and more capable
of managing the affairs of a State than most men now engaged
therein, which I consider much to his credit, though I would by no
means speak diminutively of my old friend.

From my brief acquaintance, I consider General Smith (independent
of his peculiar religious views, in which by-the-by, I have
discovered neither vanity nor folly,) the_ sine qua non_ of the
age to our nation's prosperity. He has learned the all-important
lesson "to profit by the experience of those who have gone before;"
so that, in short, General Smith begins where other men leave off.
I am aware this will appear a bold assertion to some; but I would
say to such, call, and form your acquaintance, as I have done; then
judge.

Thus, sir, you have a few leading items of my views of General
Smith, formed from personal acquaintance, which you are at liberty
to dispose of as you think proper. I anticipate the pleasure of
renewing my acquaintance with your citizens at a future day.

Yours respectfully,

A TRAVELER.

A writer in the _Quincy Herald_ reflects very strongly upon the conduct of the _Quincy Whig, New York Tribune_, and other newspapers, for publishing slanderous falsehoods against the Saints.

Ten, p.m., commenced snowing again.

[Sidenote: Origin of Memorial to Congress.]

_Thursday, 21.--_A cold snow-storm through the night.

In council in the assembly room, discussing the propriety of petitioning Congress for the privilege of raising troops to protect the making of settlements in the uncivilized portions of our continent.

Willard Richards was appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to Congress.

{271} _Friday, 22.--_Snow on the ground; cold, bleak north wind; cloudy.

At ten a.m., held Mayor's court, and afterwards read German in the reading room.

In the afternoon, met with the Twelve in prayer at President Brigham Young's house.

[Sidenote: The Seventies' Hall, Instructions on Rebuilding.]

I advised the Seventies to pull down the remainder of the walls and rebuild the Seventies' hall on a permanent basis from the foundation and not erect for themselves a trap, but build one two stories high, and strong enough to stand for a generation.

_Saturday, 23.--_Day warmer. Rode out with Clayton to endeavor to raise money to furnish the hands in the Pinery with supplies. Visited the Temple and public works.

Also called with William Clayton and Alexander Neibaur at Dr. Foster's. He was gone to Appanoose, and Mrs. Foster was at Mr. Gilman's.

I here extract from William Clayton's journal:--

_President Smith's Interview With Mrs. Foster_.

We went down there and saw her, [Mrs. Foster]. President Joseph
asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an
immoral or indecent act. She answered, "No." He then explained
his reasons for asking; which were, he had been informed that
Dr. Foster had stated that Joseph made propositions to his wife
calculated to lead her astray from the path of virtue; and then
asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to
her. She answered, "Never." He further asked if he ever preached
anything like the "plurality of wife" doctrine to her other than
what he had preached in public? She said, "No." He asked her if he
ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her, and especially
when he took dinner during the doctor's absence. She said, "No."
After some further conversation on the subject, we left. Mrs.
Gillman was present all the time. President Joseph and Neibaur then
went on foot to the farm.

_Sunday, 24.--_At ten, a.m., met at the stand near the {272} Temple. [The following very brief outline of the speeches is from the journal of Wilford Woodruff]:--

_Discourse of President Smith--Conspiracies in Nauvoo_.

"President Joseph Smith addressed the people. The following is the
substance of what I heard him say:--

I have been informed by two gentlemen that a conspiracy is got
up in this place for the purpose of taking the life of President
Joseph Smith, his family, and all the Smith family, and the heads
of the Church. One of the gentlemen will give his name to the
public, and the other wishes it to be hid for the present: they
will both testify to it on oath, and make an affidavit upon it. The
names of the persons revealed at the head of the conspiracy are as
follows:--Chancey L. Higbee, Dr. Robert D. Foster, Mr. Joseph H.
Jackson, William and Wilson Law. And the lies that C. L. Higbee has
hatched up as a foundation to work upon are--he says that I had
men's heads cut off in Missouri, and that I had a sword run through
the hearts of the people that I wanted to kill and put out of the
way. I won't swear out a warrant against them, for I don't fear
any of them: they would not scare off an old setting hen. I intend
to publish all the iniquity that I know of them. If I am guilty, I
am ready to bear it. There is sometimes honor among enemies. I am
willing to do anything for the good of the people. I will give the
name of one of the gentlemen who have divulged the plot: his name
is M. G. Eaton. He will swear to it: he is a bold fellow. Joseph H.
Jackson said a Smith should not be alive in two weeks,--not over
two months anyhow. Concerning the character of these men, I will
say nothing about it now; but if I hear anything more from them on
this subject, I will tell what I know about them.

_Elder Orson Spencer_ addressed the people as follows:--

While listening to President Smith's remarks, I thought of a
figure, i.e., if a physician was going to dissect a body, he would
not be likely to begin at the limbs but cut the head off first. So
the adversary of the Saints has laid a plan to cut off the head
of the Church with the intention of scattering and destroying the
whole body. It was so in the days of Jesus Christ; the enemies of
the truth sought to kill Him, that the body might be destroyed;
which was also the case in the days of Elijah, Daniel, and many of
the ancients.

I once heard a man say, who was opposed to this work, "That it
might be true, but it gave Joseph Smith power." True, said I; but
if his power be subordinate to the power of God, it is right. If
a man set up a kingdom by the power of God, then let others seek
power from the same source. God sets up kingdoms and pulls down
kingdoms: {273} this makes men mad who will not submit to the
kingdom of God. We all know the result of the power of Moses, who
was the representative of God.

Judging from what is past, how will it be when God sets up His
kingdom in the last days? Whether there is a conspiracy now, or
not, I don't know; but no doubt there will be, if not now, for it
has always been so. In the days of the Nephites, they had their
Gadianton robbers. I have not any doubt but that the apostates will
join with the other wicked powers to try to put down the power of
God, and I am glad to have the power of the kingdom of God tested;
I care not what sacrifice I am called to make for such a kingdom.
If it is friends, wealth, or even life, at the purchase of such
a kingdom, it is cheap. Did the ancient Apostles, Prophets, or
Saints who died pay too much for that kingdom? They did not. It
is necessary that men be put in possession of the knowledge and
mysteries of the kingdom of God, in order to sin as far as they
wish, that they may go to the highest pitch. How often men lay down
their lives for their country and other purposes. How much better,
then, to die for the cause of Zion! Good and righteous men will
administer justice and rebuke evil. The Church should be cleansed
from bad men, and the Lord will take His own way to cleanse the
Church.

We should lift up our voice against wickedness of all kinds. But
will the rulers of our land do it? No, they will not; they will
be cowards until there is no man to fight, and then be brave.
When Government will not do it, some man should take the helm of
government that will do it. Will it be called treason, if the God
of heaven should set up a kingdom? May the Lord give you more and
more of His Spirit, light and intelligence, until you are cemented
together in union and love. Amen.

Elder Sidney Rigdon addressed the meeting.

President Joseph Smith again arose and said--In relation to the
power over the minds of mankind which I hold, I would say, It is
in consequence of the power of truth in the doctrines which I have
been an instrument in the hands of God of presenting unto them, and
not because of any compulsion on my part. I wish to ask if ever I
got any of it unfairly? If I have not reproved you in the gate? I
ask, Did I ever exercise any compulsion over any man? Did I not
give him the liberty of disbelieving any doctrine I have preached,
if he saw fit? Why do not my enemies strike a blow at the doctrine?
They cannot do it: it is truth, and I defy all men to upset it. I
am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Repent ye of your
sins and prepare the way for the coming of the Son of Man; for the
kingdom of God has come unto you, {274} and henceforth the ax is
laid unto the root of the tree; and every tree that bringeth not
forth good fruit, God Almighty (and not Joe Smith) shall hew it
down and cast it into the fire."

After meeting, I rode out with Emma. The trees begin to bud forth.

In the evening, held a conversation with a large company of friends at my door.

Elder R. H. Kinnamon writes that during the last 22 months he has baptized over 100 persons while on a mission in Virginia and North Carolina, organized two branches in Virginia, and calls are continually made for preaching in every direction.

[Sidenote: Progress on Memorial to Congress.]

_Monday, 25.--_At home in the morning. After dinner rode up to the upper landing to see the _St. Louis Oak_ steamer. Learned that a company of emigrants from England were expected soon. Called at my office on returning, and heard read the draft of a memorial to Congress which my clerk had been writing, as a committee appointed by the council on Thursday last, and was pleased with the instrument.

Millions of wild pigeons flying north, and millions of gnats dancing in the air. Dull day. At night thunder, lightning and rain.

_Tuesday, 26.--_Dull day. From nine to twelve, noon, in council; also from two to five p.m.

The memorial drawn up by Dr. Richards was read, discussed, and approved by the general council.

Started this morning to go to Ramus with Brother Amasa Lyman. Rode as far as the Temple, and found it so muddy that we turned back.

Issued a warrant on the complaint of Vernon H. Bruce, against Ianthus Rolfe, for stealing two stone-cutter's tools.

I wrote the following:--

{275} _The Prophet's Memorial to Congress_.

_To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America, in Congress Assembled_:

Your memorialist, a tree-born citizen or these United States,
respectfully showeth that from his infancy his soul has been filled
with the most intense and philanthropic interest for the welfare
of his native country; and being fired with an ardor which floods
cannot quench, crowns cannot conquer, nor diplomatic intrigue
corrupt, to see those principles which emanated from the bosoms of
the fathers of seventy-six, and which cost the noblest talents and
richest blood of the nation, maintained inviolate and perpetuated
to future generations; and the proud eagle of American freedom
soar triumphant over every party prejudice and local sinistry, and
spread her golden pinions over every member of the human family,
who shall stretch forth their hands for succor from the lion's
paw or the oppressor's grasp; and firmly trusting in the God of
liberty, that He has designed universal peace and goodwill, union,
and brotherly love to all the great family of man, your memorialist
asks your honorable body to pass the following:--

ORDINANCE.

_An Ordinance for the Protection of the Citizens of the United
States Emigrating to the Territories, and for the Extension of the
Principles of Universal Liberty_.

PREAMBLE.

Whereas, many of the citizens of these United States have migrated
and are migrating to Texas, Oregon, and other lands contiguous to
this nation; _and whereas,_ Texas has declared herself free and
independent, without the necessary power to protect her rights
and liberties; _and whereas_ Oregon is without any organized
government, and those who emigrate thither are exposed to
foreign invasion and domestic feuds; _and whereas_ the Oregon,
by geographical location and discovery more rightfully belongs
to these United States than any other general government; _and
whereas_ it is necessary that the emigrants of that newly settling
territory should receive protection; _and whereas_ the Texan
Government has petitioned the United States to be received into our
Union, but yet retains her national existence; _and whereas_ the
United States remember with gratitude the seasonable support they
received in alike situation from a LaFayette_; and whereas_ the
United States desire to see the principles of her free institutions
extended to all men, especially {276} where it can be done without
the loss of blood and treasure to the nation_; and whereas_ there
is an almost boundless extent of territory on the west and south
of these United States, where exists little or no organization
of protective Government; _and whereas_ the lands thus unknown;
unowned, or unoccupied, are among some of the richest and most
fertile of the continent; _and whereas_ many of the inhabitants of
the Union would gladly embrace the opportunity of extending their
researches and acquirements so soon as they can receive protection
in their enterprise, thereby adding strength, durability, and
wealth to the nation; _and whereas_ the red man, the robber,
and the desperado have frequently interrupted such research and
acquisition without justifiable cause; _and whereas_ Joseph Smith
has offered and does hereby offer these United States, to show
his loyalty to our Confederate Union and the Constitution of our
Republic; to prevent quarrel and bloodshed our frontiers; to extend
the arm of deliverance to Texas; to on protect the inhabitants of
Oregon from foreign aggressions and domestic broils; to prevent
the crowned nations from encircling us as a nation on our western
and southern borders, and save the eagle's talon from the lion's
paw; to still the tongue of slander, and show the world that a
Republic can be, and not be ungrateful; to open the vast regions of
the unpeopled west and south to our enlightened and enterprising
yeomanry; to protect them in their researches; to secure them in
their locations, and thus strengthen the Government and enlarge
her borders; to extend her influence; to inspire the nations with
the spirit of freedom and win them to her standard; to promote
intelligence; to cultivate and establish peace among all with
whom we may have intercourse as neighbors; to settle all existing
difficulties among those not organized into an acknowledged
government bordering upon the United States and Territories; to
save the national revenue in the nation's coffers; to supercede
the necessity of a standing army on our western and southern
frontiers; to create and maintain the principles of peace and
suppress mobs, insurrections, and oppression in Oregon and all the
lands bordering upon the United States and not incorporated into
any acknowledged national government; to explore the unexplored
regions of our continent; to open new fields for enterprise to our
citizens, and protect them therein; to search out the antiquities
of the land, and thereby promote the arts and sciences, and general
information; to amalgamate the feelings of all with whom he may
have intercourse on the principles of equity, liberty, justice,
humanity and benevolence; to break down tyranny and oppression
and exalt the standard of universal peace, provided he shall be
protected in those rights and privileges which constitutionally
belong to every citizen of this Republic; therefore, that the said
memorialist may {277} have the privilege, and that no citizen of
the United States shall obstruct, or attempt to obstruct or hinder,
so good, so great, so noble an enterprise to carry out those plans
and principles as set forth in this preamble, and be shielded from
every opposition by evil and designing men.