' ,0- r.T> .A ^oV 'bV ^^0^ o « * 'i e^ct^CM ^ J^ e^ MORMONISM UNVEILED; OE THE LIFE AND CONFESSIONS OF THE LATE MORMON BISHOP, JOHN D. LEE; (^Written by Himself) ^EMBRACING A HISTORY OF MORMONISM FROM ITS INCEPTION DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME, WITH AN EXPOSI- TION OF THE SECRET HISTORY, SIGNS, SYMBOLS AND CRIMES OF THE MORMON CHURCH. ALSO THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE HORRIBLE BUTCHERY KNOWN AS THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE. ILLUSTRATED BRYAN, BRAND <& CO., 18 77. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1877, by BRYAN, BRAND & CO., In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. I •'f Bkoktold a Co., Bindebs, 215 Pine Street. Press of Clias. B. Woodward & Co. 915 .€reo. M. Sabin, Pioche, Nevada ; Mr. Wm. W. Bishop, of the y{ PUBLISHERS' PBEFACE. same place, and to John D. Lee's letter to Mr. Bishop, on page 34 of this book. Lee wrote his Life and Confessions in prison, after his sen- tence to death, and subsequent to his execution his manuscripts were copied and prepared for publication by Mr. Bishop. They were at no time out of his possession or from under his imme- diate control, until they were delivered to the express company on the 17th day of May, 1877, to be forwarded to us. The Mormon leaders were so greatly alarmed at the prospect of the publication of Lee's waitings, and the consequent reve- lation of their secrets and crimes, that they sent their "Blood Atoners" to threaten the life of Mr. Bishop, and, if possible, compel him to give up the manuscripts. The danger was so great that he was compelled to have his office guarded while en- gaged in copying the papers ; and when they were ready to be forwarded to the publishers, the Wells, Fargo & Co. Express refused to receive them until they were furnished with an armed guard to protect them until they were beyond the reach of the Mormons. The fears of the Mormon dignitaries were well founded, for Lee's revelations of crimes committed by them are of the most startling character. The Publishers. PREFACE. I WAS requested by John Doyle Lee, after he had been sen- tenced to be shot for the part he took in the commission of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, to publish an account of his life and confessions, in order to inform the world how it was that he had acted as he had, and why he was made a scape-goat by the Mormon Church. I accepted the trust, and, in giving publicity to the facts now, for the first time fully brought to light, I am only performing what I believe to be a duty — to him, and to the pubhc. The Mountain Meadows Massacre stands without a parallel amongst the crimes that stain the pages of American history. It was a crime committed without cause or justification of any kind to relieve it of its fearful character. Over one hundred and twenty men, women and children were surrounded by In- dians, and more cruel whites, and kept under constant fire, from hundreds of unerring rifles, for five days and nights, dur- ing all of which time, the emigrants were famishing for water. When nearly exhausted from fatigue and thirst, they were ap- proached by white men, with a flag of truce, and induced to surrender their arms, under the most solemn promises of pro- tection. They were then murdered in cold blood, and left nude and mangled upon the plain. All this was done by a band of fanatics, who had no cause of complaint against the emigrants, except that the authorities of the Mormon Church had decided that all the emigrants who were old enough to talk, should die — revenge for alleged insults to Brigham Young, and the booty of the plundered train being the inciting causes of the massacre. John D. Lee was o?ie, and only one of fifty-eight Mormons, who there carried out the orders of the Mormon Priesthood. He has died for his crimes — shall the others escape? The entire history of this atrocious crime is given in the con- fession. How it was done, and why it was the wish of the Mor« Viii PEE FACE. mons that it should be done, all is fully stated. As one of the attorneys for John D. Lee, I did all that I could to save his life. My associates were, and are able men and fine lawyers, but fact and fate united to turn the verdict against us. The history of the first and second trials is familiar to most of the American people ; therefore, I will not describe them here, any more than to say, Mormonism prevented conviction at the first trial, and at the second trial Mormonism insured conviction. After Brigham Young and his worshipers had deserted Lee, and marked him as the victim that should suffer to save the Church from destruction, on account of the crimes it had or- dered ; after all chances of escape had vanished, and death was certain as the result of the life-long service he had rendered the Church, the better nature of Lee overcame his superstition and fanaticism, and he gave to me the histor}^ of his life, and his con- fession of the facts connected with the massacre, and wished me to have the same published. Why he refused to confess at an earlier day, and save his own life by placing the guilt where it of right belonged, is a question which is answered by the state- ment, that he was still a slave to his Endowment and Danite oaths, and trusted until too late to the promises of protection made to him by Brigham Young. John D. Lee was a fanatic, and as such, believed in the Mormon Church, and aided in car- rying out the orders of that Church. I believe it is my duty to publish this work, to show mankind the fruits resulting from obedience to Mormon leaders, and to show that Mormonism was as certainly the cause of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, as it is that fanaticism has been the mother of crime in all ages of the world. I also wish the American people to read the facts, as they are told by a mistaken and fanatical follower of the Mor- mon doctrines, yet, one who was a brave man, and, according to his ideas and teaching, a good man ; who did not believe he was doing wrong when obeying the commands of the Mormon Priesthood. I wish the American people to read this work, and then say, if they can, what should be the fate of those who caused the crime to be committed. The following pages contain simpl}^ true copies of material, furnished me by John D. Lee, for the purpose of being published ; all of which was written by him while in prison, and after the jury had returned its verdict of guilty. J have no excuses to offer for publishing the work iust as it FBEFACE. ix is. It is what it purports to be, a full history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and also a sketch of the life of John D. Lee, embracing a revelation of the secret history of Mormonism, from its inception down to the death of Lee ; with a correct copy of his confession as given to me for publication. If any feel in- jured by the facts, I cannot help it. If this publication shall, in any degree, aid in securing the much-needed legislation, de- manded by the American citizens of Utah, from the National Government, so that Church criminals, as well as Gentiles, can be convicted in Utah, I shall feel that I have been paid well for all the vexations I have endured in the land of the Saints, where they murder men, women and children for the glory of God, and the upbuilding of His kingdom. I also believe this publication will be an advantage to the large number of naturally good and honest people, who inhabit Utah, who joined the Church, and moved to Utah, believing it their Christian duty to do so. To that class of people I am indebted for many favors, and wish them future prosperity. Wm. W, Bishop, Confidential Att'y of John D. Lee. PiocHE, Nevada, May 17, 1877. CONTENTS. PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. ... . & PREFACE . . .7 INTRODUCTORY 16- CHAPTER I. A STORMY BEGINNING Early Life of Lee — Death of his Mother— Hardships and Trials — Becomes a Mail Carrier in the Wilds of Missouri at an Early Age — Is a Stage Driver — Abandons the business— Re- flections upon the condition of the Country. - • 86- CHAPTER II. THE INDUSTRIOUS YOUNG MAN. Remains on his Uncle's Farm — Volunteers in the Black Hawk War — Goes to St. Louis — Engages as Fireman on a Steamer — Cholera Experience — Finds a Friend — Goes to Galena and enters a Store as Clerk — Adventures with the Miners — Anecdote of Ulysses Grant — Lee Marries Agathe Ann Woolsey. ....••• 4:3- CH AFTER III. LEE BECOMES A MORMON. In 1836 Lee first hears the Mormon Doctrine Preached— Em- braces the Doctrine of Mormonism — Sells out and Removes his Family to Far West, Mo. — Is Baptized and Joins the Church— Fight at Gallatin, at the Polls— The People Conse- crate their Property to God. . . • .60^ CHAPTER IV. THE SAINTS ARE BESET WITH TROCBLES. The Saints Decline to give up their Property to the Church — Troubles Between the Saints and Gentiles — Companies of Armed Men are formed for Drivinjr Out the Mormons— A CONTENT IS. Xi Providential Warning — Conflicts between the Saints and Gentiles. . . . , . . .64: CHAPTER V. THE MORMON WAR IN MISSOURI. Death of Capt. Patton — Rebuke of the Prophet — Description of the Prophet — Continued Troubles with the Gentiles — Mas- sacre at Haughn's Mill — Miraculous Cure of Isaac Laney, in Answer to Pi-ayer — Cowardice of Col. Hinkle — Surrender of Joseph Smith, the Prophet — The Saints Surrender and are Disarmed — Terms of the Surrender. , , ,74: CHAPTER VI. IKE LOCATES THE GARDEN OP EDEN. Account of the Surrender Continued — Lee refuses to Abandon his Faith — Returns to his Home — Finds his House Burned and Property Destroyed — Temple Block — Garden of Eden — Site of the Altar Built by Adam — Sufiering during the Winter — Lee is ordained to the Priesthood — Holy Patriarchal Blessing. ....••. 85- CHAPTER VII. THE SAINTS GATHER AT NAUVOO. Lee returns to Illinois — Goes on a Mission to Preach — Lively Experiences by the way — Is Strengthened of God and Re- sists Temptation — False Doctrines taught by Brigliam Young, and their Degrading Tendencies — Preaches in Ten- nessee — Beholds a Vision which is realized — Mission is Successful — Organizes Branch Churches — Returns to Illinois. ....... 96 CHAPTER VIII. LEE CONTINUES HIS MISSIONARY WORK. Spends the Winter at Home — Foundation of the Temple laid at Nauvoo — Teachings of the Prophet— Lee builds a Home in Nauvoo — Goes on a Mission in 1841 — Resumes his Labors in Tennessee — Makes many Converts — Holds a Series of Discussions. ....... 109 CHAPTER IX. MORMONISM — ITS DOCTRINES AND HOW IT ORIGINATED. Lee holds a Discussion Avith Parson Hall — Identity of the Ten Tribes of Israel with the American Indians shown — Divine Origin of the Book of Mormon — Lee holds another and final Discussion with Rev. Cantrell— Many Converts are Baptized and added to tlie Church. .... 118 ^ii CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. LEE CASTS OUT DEVILS AXD DOES OTHER "WONDERFUL WORKS. He goes to Jackson County and holds a public Discussion — Won- derful Manifestation of Divine Power — Lee rebukes Evil Spirits and they are still — Casts out Devils from Mark Toung — Returns to Nauvoo — Visits friends — Condition of Zion — Denunciation of Brigliam Young. . * 126 CHAPTER XL A TENNESSEE PLANTER MAKES IT HOT FOR PARSON LEE. Lee returns to Tennessee to Preach — Is kindly received — Goes to Nashville — Preaches in the Country — Is assailed by a Mob —Baptizes the Wife of Col. Tucker— The Colonel Hunts him Avith a Loaded Rifle — Escapes from the County to avoid Arrest — Returns to Nauvoo. . , . • 133 CHAPTER XII. MATTERS OF PECULIAR INTEREST AT NAUVOO. Affairs at Nauvoo — The Nauvoo Legion organized — Building of the Hall of the Seventies — The Devil Enraaed — The Doc- trine of Plural or Celestial Marriage first taught — Domestic Troubles among the Saints — Joseph Smith becomes a ( an- didate for the Presidency of the U. S. — Lee goes to Ken- tucky on an Electioneering Tour — The Assassination of the Prophet causes his return to Nauvoo. . . . 144 CHAPTER XIII. DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH— SOME OF BRIGHAM YOUNG'S CRIMES. Assassination of Joseph Smith and his Brother Hyrum — Causes of the Assassination — Successor of the Prophet — Brigham Young Chosen — He Steals the Inheritance of Young Joseph — Lee is appointed to various Offices of Trust and Honor — Assassination of Erwin by orders of Brigham Young — Se- cret Murders and Robberies by the Saints— Teachings of \ the Church — Arrogance and Oppressions of Brigham Young. , . . . . . . .152 CHAPTER XIV. INSIDE VIEW OF POLYGAMY AND THE DOCTRINE OF SEALING. 'Celestial Marriage taught and practiced — Lee embraces the Doc- trine and takes a number of Wives — Troubles with the \ Gentiles — The Saints prepare to Emigrate — Baptisms, Washings and Anointings in the Temple. , . . 166 CONTENTS. xiii. CHAPTER XV. THE SAINTS MOVE WESTWARD. Reminiscences of the Prophet Joseph — His Fourth of July Toast — Lee removes his Family from Nauvoo — Great Sacrifices of Property by the Saints to get away — Brigham Young blesses Lee — The Saints move through Iowa — Lee restores a Blind Man to Sight! — Settlements established at Garden Grove and Pisgah— Arrival at Council Bluffs — The Missouri Eiver Crossed. ....... ITS CHAPTER XVI. LEE GOES ON AK EXPEDITION TO SANTA FB. The Saints prepare to go into Winter Quarters — Lee is sent to the Mormon Battalion at Santa Fe to bring back the Sol- diers' pay — A Long and Dangerous Journey and safe Return — Follows an Invisible Guide — Miraculous Deliverance from Indians — Safe Arrival — Finds his family suffering. . 182 CHAPTER XVII. LEE IS TREATED BADLY BY THE "BRETHREN.** In camp — Angry words with Brigham Young — Gives an account of his Trip and Pays over the Money — Contrast, 1847 and 1877 — Opens a Store at Winter Quarters — Is Sealed to.-~^ a number of Wives — Summer Quarters laid out — Life on the Border — Bravery of Lee's Wives — Jealousy of the Brethren — Murmurings of the Saints against Lee — Ingrati- tude and Heartlessness of Brigham Young. . . 196 CHAPTER XVIII. LAST CONFESSION AND STATEMENT OF JOHN D. LEB. Closing events of Lee's Life — Startling Revelations of Crimes - and Church Secrets, implicating Brigham Young and the Mormon Leaders — The Mountain Meadows Massacre, and all the particulars thereof. ..... 213 CHAPTER XIX. CONFESSION CONTINUED AND CONCLUDED, MARCH 16, 1877, SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO HIS EXECUTION. More startling Revelations — Going " Over the Rim of the Basin'* — Brigham "goes to God" with his crimes, and is strength- ened in a "Vision" — A "bully" Warrior — A model Indian Agent — Brigham preaches a "Red-hot" Sermon — The "Old Boss'' on his travels — Brigham betrays Lee — Tricks of "Dirty Fingered Jake Hamblin" — Some "Blood Atone- ments" — Some "Holy" men and their deeds — Exploits of. xiv COXTEXTS. the "Destroying Angels" — Shocking Barbarities — End of Confession. .... . . • 249 CHAPTER XX. ARREST OF JOHN D. LEE BY WM. STOKES, DEPUTY U. S. MARSHAL. JBrighara imagines he is going to be Assassinated — Lively Adven- tures of the Deputy Marshal — Hunting Lee in his Strong- hold — Efforts of his sons to prevent his Arrest — Lee is fonnd concealed in a pen, and is Arrested — A puugent Toast by one of his Daughters — The journey to Beaver City. ........ 293 CHAPTER XXr. TRLiL OF LEE AT BEAAHER ,CITY, UTAH TERRITORY, SEPTEMBER, 1876. Depositions of Brigham Yonng, George A. Smith, etc. — Witnesses Manufactured to order — Startling Developments — Determ- ination of the Mormon Leaders to convict Lee. , . 302 CHAPTER XXn. TRIAL OF LEE CONTINUED. Testimony of Witnesses— Getting at the bottom facts by a circu- itous route — Model Witnesses. . . . = 317 CHAPTER XXIir. TRIAL OF LEE CONCLUDED. Conclusion of the Evidence — Conviction and Sentence of Lee — Additional facts. ....... 86C CHAPTER XXIV. NAMES AND PRESENT RESIDENCES Of the Mountain Meadows Assassins, as given by Lee. . 379 CHAPTER XXV. EXECUTION OF JOHN D. LEE. ..... 383 INTRODUCTORY. ONE hundred and twenty men, women, and children were murdered by Mormons and Indians, at the Mountain Meadows, on Friday, September 16, 1857, or thereabouts. The victims were members of a train under command of Captain Fancher, and are generally known as the Arkansas Emigrant Company. At that time Brigham Young was Governor of Utah Territory, and also the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Acting as Governor of the Territory, he and his followers had, for a series of years, violated the laws of the United States, with insulting impunity, and then were stand- ing in hostile attitude towards the government. Brigham Young had the audacity to declare Utah under martial law, and call out his legions of fanatics to oppose the forces of the United States which had been ordered to Utah to enforce obedience to the Government. As leader and head of the Mormon Church, he had taught his followers to believe that he was an inspired man, and as such, receiving orders and revelations direct from the God of Heaven ; that the time had arrived when Christ was to come to earth and reign a thousand years, and that all who ■did not accept the Book of Mormon, and the teachings of Brigham Young, as God's holy religion, were to suffer death, and the wealth of the unbelievers to become the property of the so-called Saints. He had also taught the doctrine that all who opposed his orders or refused obedience to his commands should <3ie, and if they had been members of the Mormon Church their blood was to be shed in order to save their souls. At that time Brigham Young had the sole control of everything in Utah ; his word was law ; his orders were given under the pretense that they emanated from God, and to disobey his orders was treason to the Church and punishable by death. The Mormon people were willing followers of their designing leader. They believed in polygamy, blood atonement, and the inspiration of the priest- 16 INTBODUCTOBT. hood. Their intelligence made their fanaticism the more danger- ous. No crime was so great that it would not be ordered by Brigham Young, if he believed it would benefit Mormonism, and no order could be given by him but what his deluded followers considered it their bounden duty to unquestioningly obey. The oaths taken by the Mormons in their various ceremonies bound them under fearful penalties to lay aside all individuality, and become the willing tools of si cruel and treasonable priest- hood. Blind obedience to Brigham Young was the test of Christian excellence. Salvation and celestial glory were offered by the Church leaders, and confidently expected by the brethren, as the reward to be received for the most fearful crimes. Brigham Young held the keys of Heaven, so it was said, and so his followers believed, and certain it was he held the life of every man in the Territory of Utah in his hand. Law and jus- tice were unheard of, or at least unknown. The so-called refor- mation was then at its height. The members of the Church were confessing their sins to each other in public and being rebaptized under promise of certain salvation. Superstition, fanaticism, and satanic influences of every character had changed the dwellers in Utah from American citizens, with reasoning faculties, into blind zealots, anxious to do any act that their so- called Prophet commanded. It was while this condition of affairs existed in Utah that Captain Fancher attempted to cross the Territory, on the way to the pleasant valleys of the Golden State, where the company intended to settle and build homes for themselves and their children. In support of the charge that Brigham Young favored the shedding of blood as an atonement for sin, I quote the following compilation of extracts which were kindly furnished me by the Salt Lake Tribune^ and as they speak for themselves, comment is useless : EXTRACTS FROM BRIGHAM YOUNG* S SERMONS. " I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins.'* '^ But now I say, in the name of the Lord, that if this people will sin no more, but faithfully live their religion, their sins will be forgiven them without taking life.'* " Now, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting peo- ple off from the earth, that you consider is strong doctrine ; but it is to save them, not to destroy them." ''All mankind love themselves; and let these principles be INTB OD UCTOli Y. 17 known by an individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be loving themselves even unto eternal exal- tation." " This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him ; if he wishes salvation, and it is necessary to spill his blood upon the ground in order that he be saved, spill it." " Any of you who understand the principles of eternity, if you have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death, would not be satisfied or rest until your blood should be spilled, that you might gain the salvation j^ou desire. This is the way to love mankind." "It is true the blood of the Son of God was shed for sins through the fall and those committed by men, yet 3'e men can commit sins which it can never remit. As it was in the ancient days, so it is in our da}^ ; and though the principles are taught publicly from this stand, still the people do not understand them ; yet the law is precisely the same." " I have known a great many men who have left this Church, for whom there is no chance whatever of exaltation ; but if their blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle being in full force, but the time will come when the law of God will be in full force." ''Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood ? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant. He never told a man or woman to love their enemies in their wickedness. He never intended any such thing. " "I have known scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance in the last resurrection if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almight}'^, but who are now angels to the devil, until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, raises them up, conquers death, hell, and the grave." /'There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an altar, as in ancient days ; and there are sins that the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or of turtle doves cannot remit, but they must be atoned for by the blood of the man. That is the rea- son why men talk to you as they do from this stand ; they un- derstand the doctrine, and throw out a few w^ords about it. You have been taught that doctrine, but you do not under- stand it." "Now, take a person in this congregation, who has a knowl- edge of being saved in the kingdom of our God and our Father, and being an exalted one, — who knows and understands the principles of eternal life, and sees the beauty and excellency of 2 18 INTB OD UCTOB Y. the eternities before him, compared with the vain and foolish things of the world ; and suppose he is overtaken with a gross fault, that he has committed a fault which he knows will deprive him of that exaltation which he desires, and that he cannot attain to it without the shedding of blood ; and also knows that by having his blood shed, he will atone for that sin and be saved, and be exalted with the gods, is there a man or woman in this house but what would say, ' Shed my blood, that I may be saved and exalted with the gods?' " Brigham Young had also written letters to his chief men throughout the Territory, inciting them against the people of the United States. That it may be understood what kind of language he used to his bishops in these circulars, I copy the one sent to Wm. H. Dame, the man who was colonel and com- mander of the militia in southern Utah, and who afterwards, and while standing upon Mountain Meadows examining the bodies of those that he had directed Haight to slaughter, said: "I would not have given the orders if I had thought there were so many of them." The circular bears date two days before the massacre is charged to have been committed, and the supposi- tion is that it had been delivered to Dame at the time he issued Ms orders for the massacre. It explains itself, and reads as follows : '' Great Salt Lake City, Sept. 14, 1857. " Colonel William H. Dame^ Paroivcm, Iron Co. : "Herewith you will receive the Governor's Proclamation, declaring martial law. You will probably not be called out this Fall, but are requested to continue to make ready for a big fight another year. The plan of operations is supposed to be about this: In case the U. S. Government should send out an over- powering force, we intend to desolate the Territory and conceal our families, stock, and all of our effects in the fastnesses of the mountains, where they will be safe, while the men waylay our enemies, attack them from ambush, stampede their animals, take the supply trains, cut ofl' detachments and parties sent to canons for wood or on other service. To lay waste everything that will burn — houses, fences, trees, fields, grass — that they cannot find a particle of anything that will be of use to them, not even sticks to make a fire for to cook their suppers. To waste away our enemies, and lose none. That will be our mode of warfare. Thus you see the necessity of preparing. First secure places in the mountains where they cannot find us, or if they do, where they cannot approach in any force, and then prepare for our families, building some cabins, caclmig flour and grain. Flour should be ground in the latter part of Winter, or IN Til OD UC TOB Y. 1 9 €arly in the Spring, in order to keep. Sow grain in your fields early as possible this Fall, so that the iiarvest of another year may come off before they have time to get here. Conciliate the Indians, and make them our fast friends. In regard to letting people pass or repass, or travel through the Territory, this applies to all strangers and suspected persons. Yourself and Bro. Isaac €. Haight, in your district, are authorized to give such permits. Examine all such persons strictly before giving them permits to pass, keep things perfectly quiet and let all things be done peace- fully, but with firmness, and let there be no excitement. Let the people be united in their feehngs and faith, as well as works, and keep alive the spirit of the reformation ; and what we said m regard to sowing the grain and provisions, we say agam, let there be no waste ; save life always when it is possible— we do not wish to shed a drop of blood if it can be avoided. This IXTB OD UC TOR Y. 2 1 who are building up, consolidating, and daringly carrying out a system subversive of the Constitution and laws, and tatal to morals and true religion. '^ The remoteness of Utah from the settled regions of our coun- try and the absence of any general intercourse between the Mormons and the masses of our people, have served to keep the latter in almost complete ignorance of the character and designs of the former. That ignorance, pardonable at first, becomes criminal when the avenues to a full knowledge are open to us. "Mormonism is one of the monstrosities of the age in which we live. It seems to have been left for the model Republic of the world, for the nineteenth century, when the light of knowledge is more generally diffused than ever before, when in art, science and philosophy we have surpassed all that ages of the past can show, to produce an idle, worthless vagabond of an impostor, who heralds forth a creed repulsive to every refined mind, op- posed to every generous impulse of the human heart, and a faith which commands a violation of the rights of hospitality, sancti- fies falsehood, enforces the systematic degradation of women, not only permits, but orders, the commission of the vilest lusts, in the name of Almighty God himself, and teaches that it is a sacred duty to commit the crimes of theft and murder. It is surprising that such faith, taught too, in the coarsest and most vulo-ar way, should meet with any success. Yet in less than a cenUiry it girdles the globe. Its missionaries are planted in every place. You find them all over Europe, thick through Eno-land and Wales, traversing Asia and Africa, and braving the^'billows of the southern oceans to seek proselytes. And, as if to crown its achievements, it establishes itself in the heart of one of the greatest and most powerful governments of the world, establishes therein a theocratic government overriding all other government, putting the laws at defiance, and now seeks to consummate and perpetuate itself by acquiring a State sovereignty, and by being placed on an equality with the other states of the Union. ''Mormonism is in part a conglomeration of iily cementea creeds from other religions, and in part founded upon the eccen- tric production of one Spaulding, who, having failed as a preacher and shopkeeper, undertook to write a historic novel. He had a smattering of bibhcal knowledge, and chose for his subject nhe history of the lost tribes of Israel.' The whole was supposed to be communicated by the Indians, and the last of the series was named Mormon, representing that he had buried the book. It was a dull, tedious, interminable volume, marked by ignorance and folly. The work was so flat, stupid and insipid, that no publisher could be induced to bring it before the world. Poor Spaulding at length went to his grave, 22 INTB OD UCTOB Y. and the manuscript remained a neglected roll in the possession of his widow. "Then arose Joe Smith, more ready to live by his wits than by the labor of his hands. Smith had, early in life, manifested a turn for pious frauds. He had figured in several wrestlmg matches with the devil, and had been conspicuous in giving in eventful experiences in religion at certain revivals. He an- nounced that he had dug up the book of Mormon, which taught the true religion; this was none other than poor Spaulding's manuscript, which he had purloined from the widow. In his hands the manuscript became the basis of Mormonism. Joe became a prophet; the founder of a religious sect; the president of a swindling bank ; the builder of the City of Nauvoo ; mayor of the city; general of the armies of Israel; candidate for President of the United States, and finally a martyr, as the Saints choose to call him. But the truth is that his villainies, together with the villainies of his followers, brought down upon him the just vengeance of the people of Illinois and Missouri, and his career was brought to an end by his being shot while confined in jail in Carthage. It was unfortunate that such was his end, for his followers raised the old cry of martyrdom and persecution, and, as always proved, 'the blood of the martyr was the seed of the church.' " Mormonism repudiates the celibacy imposed by the Catholic religion upon its priesthood, and takes in its stead the voluptu- ous impositions of the Mohammedan Church. It preaches openly that the more wives and children its men have in this world, the purer, more influential and conspicuous will they be in the next ; that wives, children, and property will not only be restored, but doubled in the resurrection. It adopts the use of prayers and baptism for the dead, as a part of its creed. Mormons claim to be favored with marvelous gifts — the power of speaking in tongues, of casting out devils, of curing the sick, and of healing the lame and the halt. They claim that the}^ have a living prophet, seer and revelator who holds the keys of of the Kingdom of Heaven, and through whose intercession alone access can be had. They recognize the Bible, but they interpret it for themselves, and hold that it is subject to be changed by new revelation, which, they say, supercedes old revelation. One of their doctrines is that of continued progres- sion to ultimate perfection. They say God was but a man, who went out developing and increasing until he reached his present high capacity ; and they teach that Mormons will be equal to him; in a word, that good Mormons will become gods. They teach the shedding of blood for remission of sins, or, in other words, that if a Mormon apostatizes, his throat shall be cut, and his blood poured out upon the ground for the remission of INTIi OD UC TOB Y. 23 his sins. They also practice other revolting doctrines, such as are only carried out in polygamous countries, which is evidenced by a number of mutilated persons in their midst. They hold that the prophet's revelations are binding upon their consciences, and that they are bound to obey him in all things. They say that the earth and the fullness thereof is the Lord's ; that they are God's chosen people on earth ; that their mission on earth is to take charge of God's property, and, as faithful stewards, that it is their duty to obtain it, and are taught that, in obtaining it, they must not get in debt to the Lord's enemies for it ; in other words, they teach that it is a duty to rob and steal from Gentiles. They have christened themselves 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.' They claim that Mormonism is to go on spreading until it over- throws all the nations of the earth, and if necessary for its accomplishment, its success shall be consummated by the sword; that Jackson county, Missouri, is to be the seat of empire of the Mormon Church ; that here the Mormons are to be finally gathered, and that from that Zion shall proceed a power that will dethrone kings, subvert dynasties, and subjugate all the natiojns of the earth. " I have said that their doctrines were repulsive to every refined mind. Every other false faith which has reigned its evil lime upon this goodly world of ours, has had some kindly and re- deeming features. Even the semi-theocracy of the Aztecs, as Prescott tells you, disfigured as it was by horrid and bloody rites, was not y/ithout them. Buddhism and Brahmanism, with all their misshapen fables, still inculcated, in no small degree, a pure code of morals. Nor is the like assertion untrue of Mo- hammedanism. It was reserved for Mormonism, far off in the bosom of our beloved land, to rear its head, naked in all its hideous deformity, and unblushingly, yes, defiantly, proclaim a creed without the least redeeming feature, and of such character that the Thugism of India cannot match it. " So at variance is the practice of pol3^gamy with all the in- stincts of humanit}-, that it has to be pressed upon the people with the greatest assiduity as a part of tlieir religious duty. It is astonishing with what pertinacity through all their ' sermons and discources ' it is justified and insisted on. Threats, entreaties, persuasions, and commands, are continual^ brought in play to enforce its cheerful observance. So revolting is it to the women, that to aid in its enforcement they are brutahzed, their modesty destroyed by low, vile, vulgar expressions, such as I could not repeat, and would not ask the clerk to read in your hearing. If, however, my conjugal friend, the Delegate from Utah, will undertake such task, I will most cheerfully fur- nish them for him ; certainly he ought not to hesitate. If they 24 i:^^TE OD UCTOll Y. are proper to be repeated before large congregations of women and children in Salt Lake City, the representative of the Church ought not to be ashamed at reading them to this House. Will the Delegate from Utah read them? CONDITION OF THE WOMEN. "But their teachings, officially reported by themselves, give 3'ou a better idea of their estimation of woman than anything I could say. I shall read to you from a few of their sermons on this subject, only observing that you may pick other passages inculcating similar doctrines, containing like threats, rebukes, and complaints, in nearly every sermon published in the Church organ. ''President J. M. Grant, in a sermon delivered September 21, 185G, reported in the Deseret News^ (volume 6, page 235) said: '"And we have women here who like anything but the celes- tial law of God ; and, if they could, would break asunder the cable of the Church of Christ ; there is scarcely a mother in Israel but would do it this day. And they talk it to their hus- bands, to their daughters, and to their neighbors, and say that they have not seen a week's happiness since they became ac- quainted with that law, or since their husbands took a second wife. They want to break up the Church of God, and to break it from their husbands and from their family connections.' "President Brigham Young, in a sermon delivered the same day, reported in the same paper, said : "' Now, for my proposition ; it is more particularl3^ for my sisters, as it is frequently happening that women say that they are unhappy. Men will say, " my wife, though a most excellent woman, has not seen a happy day since I took my second wife ; no, not a happy day for a year. " It is said that women are tied down and abused ; that they are misused, and have not the liberty they ought to have ; that many of them are wading through a perfect flood of tears, because of the conduct of some men, together with their own folly. " ' I wish my women to understand that what I am going to say is for them, as well as all others, and I want those who are here to tell their sisters, yes, ail the women of this community, and then write it back to the States, and do as you please with it. I am going to give you from this time to the Gth day of October next for reflection, that you may determine whether you wish to stay with your husbands or not, and then I am going to set every woman at liberty, and say to them, " now go your way, my women with the rest; go 3'our way. " And my wives have got to do one of two things ; either round up their shoulders to endure the afflictions' of this world, and live their religion, or they may leave, for I will not have them about me. I will go into Heaven alone, rather than have scratching and fighting JNTn OD UC TOB Y. 25 around me. I will set all at liberty. '' What, first wife too?" Yes, I will liberate you all. " ' I Ivuow wliat my women will say ; they will say, ""you ean have as many women as you please, Brigham." Bat I want to go somewhere and do something to get rid of the whiners ; I do not w^ant them to receive a part of the truth and spurn the rest out of doors. * * * * " ' Let every man thus treat his wives, keeping raiment enough to clothe his body ; and say to your wives, " take all that I have and be set at liberty ; but if you stay with me you shall comply "with the law of God, and that, too, without any murmuring and shining. You must fulfill the law of God in every respect, and round up your shoulders to walk up to the mark witiiout any grunting. " 'Now, recollect, that two weeks from to-morrow I am going to set you all at liberty. But the first wife will say, "it is hard, for I have lived with my husband twenty years, or thirty, and have raised a family of children for him, and it is a great trial to me for him to have more women that will bear children." If my wife had borne me all the children that she ever would bear, the celestial law would teach me to take young women that would have children. * -;^ * -;*j ••' ' Sisters, I am not joking ; I do not throw out my proposition to banter your feelings, to see whether you will leave your hus- bands, all or any of you. But I do know that there is no cessa- tion to the everlasting whinings of many of the women of this Territory. And if the women will turn from the commandments of God and continue to despise the order of Heaven, I will pray that the curse of the Almighty may be close to their heels, and that it may be following them all the day long. And those that enter into it and are faithful, I will promise them that they shall be queens in heaven and rulers for all eternity.' "President Heber C. Kimball, in a discourse delivered in the Tabernacle, November 9, 1856 {Deseret News, volume 6, page 291), said: " ' I have no wife or child that has any right to rebel' against me. If they violate my laws and rebel against me, they will get into trouble just as quickly as though they transgressed the counsels and teachings of Brother Brigham. Does it give a woman a right to sin againsjt me because she is my wife? No; but it is her duty to do my will as I do the will of my Father and ray God. It is the duty of a woman to be obedient to her husband, and unless she is, I would not give a damn for all her queenly right and authority, nor for her either, if she will quar- rel and lie about the work of God and the principles of plurality. A disregard of plain and correct teachings is the reason why so many are dead and damned, and twice plucked up 2 6 I^^ TB OD UC TOB T. by the roots, and I would as soon baptize the devil as some jof you.' ''October 6, 1855 (volume 5, page 274), Kimball said: '' ' If you oppose any of the works of God you will cultivftte a spirit of apostasy. If you oppose what is called the spiritual wife doctrines, the patriarchal order, which is of God, that course will corrode you with apostasy, and 3'ou will go overboard. Still a great many do so, and strive to justify themselves in it; but they are not justified in God. * * * * * '^ ' The principle of plurality of wives never will be done awa}^^ although some sisters have had revelations that when this time passes away, and they go through the vale, every woman will have a husband to herself. I wish more of our young men would take to themselves wives of the daughters of Zion, and not wait for us old men to take them all. Go ahead upon the right prin- ciple, young gentlemen, and God bless you for ever and ever, and make 3^ou fruitful, that we may fill the mountains and then the earth, with righteous inhabitants.' " April 2, 1854, President Heber C. Kimball said in the Taber- nacle (see Deseret News^ volume 4, No. 20) : '' 'There are some ladies who are not happy in their present situation ; but that woman who cannot be happy with one man cannot be happy with two. You know all women are good, or ought to be. They are made for angelic beings, and I would like to see them act more angelic in their behavior. You were made more angelic, and a little weaker than man. Man is made of rougher material — to open the way, cut down bushes and kill the snakes — that women may walk along through life, and not soil and tear their skirts. When you see a woman with ragged skirts you may know she wears the unmentionables, for she is doing the man's business, and has not time to cut off the rags hanging about her. From this time henceforth 3'ou may know what woman wears her husband's pants. May the Lord bless you. Amen.' "President Heber C. Kimball, in a lengthened discourse, de- livered in the Tabernacle on the 4th day of April, 1857, took oc- casion to say: "'I would not be afraid to promise a man who is sixty years of age, if he will take the counsel of Brother Brigham and his brethren, he will renew his age. I have noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality looks fresh, young and sprightly. Why is this? Because God loves that man, and because he honors his work and word. Some of you may not believe this ; but I not only believe it, but I also know it. For a man of God to be confined to one woman is a small business, for it is as much as INTBODUCTOBY. 27 we can do to keep under the burdens we have to carry, and do not know what we should do if we only had one woman apiece.' "President Heber C. Kimball used the following language in a discourse, instructing a band of missionaries about to start on their mission : " ' I say to those who are elected to go on missions, go, if you never return, and commit what you have into the hands of God — your wives, your children, your brethren and your property. Let truth and righteousness be your motto, and don't go into the world for anything else but to preach the Gospel, build up the kingdom of God, and gather the sheep into the fold. You are sent out as shepherds to gather the sheep together ; and re- member that they are not your sheep ; they belong to him that sends you ; then don't make a choice of any of those sheep, don't make selections before they are brought home and put into the fold. You understand that! Amen.' "Such, then, is Mormonism in regard to all that beautifies life in the conjugal relation ; such are their sentiments and com- mands pronounced under the assumed authority of God upon the female sex. When President Kimball calls his numerous wives his ' cows, ' he but reflects the Mormon idea of woman in the social scale. "The view is sickening. I turn with loathing and disgust from their legalized status of systematic debauchery and lust. Before it the entire nature recoils. No wonder that it requires the whole enginery of the Mormon Church, threats and intimida- tions to compel the women to submit to it. I pity that man or woman who can for one moment look upon this organized, sys- tematic, enforced degradation and prostitution with any other feeling than that of abhorrence and disgust. In matters of affection woman is a monopolist — she wants the whole heart, or she wants none. But in Utah she is compelled to take part only of the smallest of hearts — a Mormon's heart — little atten- tion and no devotion. " The church government established by the Mormons to carry into operation the teachings from which I have so copiously extracted, is one of the most complete despotisms on the face of the earth. The mind of one man permeates through the whole mass of the people, and subjects to its unrelenting tyranny the souls and bodies of all. It reigns supreme in Church and State, in morals, and even in the minutest domestic and social arrange- ments. Brigham's house is at once tabernacle, capital and harem ; and Brigham himself is king, priest, lawgiver, and chief polygamist. Is treason hatched in Utah? — Brigham is the head traitor. Is a law enacted? — Brigham's advice deter- mines it. Is an offending 'Gentile' or an Apostate Mor- 28 -'^v 2 'M OD U C 1 On i '. mon to be assassinated? — the order emanates from Brig- ham. In addition to all this, he heals the afflicted by the laying on of hands, and comforts the widow by becoming her hus- band. It may be asked, does he do this without compensa- tion? No, his pay is both high and certain. He taxes his deluded followers to the extent of all surplus property upon their arrival in the Territory. He subsequently taxes them to the extent of one-tenth of their annual productions and labor, and if reluctant to pay, he mercilessly snatches all they have. He has through the Legislature unrestricted license to tax mer- chants. By legislation, all estrays in the Territory are impound- ed and sold, and the proceeds paid over to him. By like author- ity he seizes upon the great highway between our Atlantic and Pacific possessions, grants exclusive rights to erect bridges and ferries across all the streams in the Territory, and fixes the toll at enormous rates, ranging from five to ten dollars for a team, expressly providing in the law that a portion of the receipts shall be paid over to himself, by which means, whether willing or unwilling, the emigrant to the Pacific coast is forced to build up the Church, and furnish money to emigrate pious sisters to Zion to replenish the harems of the hoary-headed leaders of the Church ; and as if to consummate the matter of pay, all escheats in the Territory are to him ; the property of the emigrant, and even the habiliments of the deceased may be sold, and the pro- ceeds paid over to him. He selects for himself the choicest spots of land in the Territory, and they yield him their produc- tions, none daring to interfere. "The timber in the mountains for a great distance from Salt Lake City belongs to him, and it is only by delivering each third load, as he shall order, that the gates are opened and the citizen allowed to pass up City Creek canyon to obtain it. Having ap- propriated all that he desires for his own use, he has quite ex- tensive tracts of country furnished him by the Federal Govern- ment as capital for his Church. He sends his agents, denomi- nating them missionaries, to Europe, who represent Utah as a paradise, and go into the market offering each proselyte who will come to Zion, a homestead of a quarter of a section of land — being in return compensated by the addition of females to fill the harems, and the tithing which will in the future accrue to him. The cattle on a thousand hills exhibit his brand. He fixes his pay — pays himself. His pampered but plebeian body reposes in a palace, and scores of bright-eyed women call him husband. His deluded followers yield him implicit obedience, and a Church organization known as ' Danites ' or ' Destroying An- gels,' stands ready to protect his person, or avenge his wrongs, and to execute his pleasure. INFB OD UC TOIi r. 2 9 "The legislators of the Territory are Mormons. The endow- ment oaths bind them to yield an implicit obedience to Brigham, as the head of the Church, and political head of the Territory. His mandates are superior to all law. The Mormons are fanat- ics ; they will keep their oath to obey him. Did not their relig- ion induce, their fears would compel obediencp, for the ven- geance of Brigham, though silent, is swift, and fearful as the horrors of death can make it. Mormon punishment for Mor- mon apostasy is like the old curse of former Popes, it extends from the soles of the feet to the hairs of the head. It sep- arates the husband from the wife ; it reaches from the confiscation of property to the severance of the windpipe. Armed with such power over the. hearts and lives of the people, Brigham defiantly drives the barbaric chariot of Mormon rob- ber}^, murder, polygamy and incest over all law, in defiance of all Federal officials in the Territory. Brigham not only con- trols the legislation, but he controls the courts. He uses the one to aid in accomplishing the other. "As one of the Associate Justices of the Territory of Utah, in the month of April, 1859, I commenced and held a term of the District Court for the Second Judicial District, in the city of Provo, about sixty miles south of Salt Lake City. General A. S. Johnston, in command of the Military Department, fur- nished a small military force for the purpose of protecting the Court. A Grand Jury was impaneled, and their attention was pointedly and specifically called to the great number of crimes that had been committed in the immediate vicinity, cases of public notoriety both as to the offense and the persons who had perpetrated the same ; for none of these things had ' been done in a corner.' Their perpetrators had scorned alike conceal- ment or apology before the arrival of the American forces. The Jury, thus instructed, though kept in session two weeks, utterly refused to do anything, and were finally discharged as an evi- dently useless appendage to a court of justice. But the Court was determined to try a last resource to bring to light and to punish those guilty of the atrocious crimes which -had been committed in the Territory, and the session continued. Bench warrants, based upon sworn information, were issued against the alleged criminals, and United States Marshal Dotson, a most excellent and reliable oflicer, aided by a military posse, procured on his own i*equest, had succeeded in making a few arrests. A general stampede immediately took place among the Mormons ; and what I wish to call your attention to as particularly notice- able, is the fact that this occurred more especially among the Church oflicials and civil officers. Why were these classes so peculiarl}^ urgent and hasty in flight? The law of evidence, based on the experience of ages, has but one answer. It was- :30 INTB OD UC TOE Y. the consciousness of guilt which drove them to seek a refuge from the avenging arm of the law, armed at last, as they sup- posed, with power to vindicate its injured majesty. It is a well known fact that many of the bishops and presidents of ' Stakes ' remained secreted in the mountains until the news was confirmed beyond doubt, which announced the retrograde course of the administration at Washington. ***** * * * Sitting as a committing magistrate, com- plaint after complaint was made before me of murders and rob- beries. Among these I may mention as peculiarly and shock- ingly prominent, the murder of Forbes, the assassination of the Parishes and Potter, of Jones and his mother, of the Aiken party, of which there were six in all ; and worst and darkest in this appalling catalogue of blood, the cowardly, cold-blooded butchery and robbery at the Mountain Meadows. At that time there still lay, all ghastly under the sun of Utah, the unburied skeletons of one hundred and nineteen men, women and chil- dren, the hapless, hopeless victims of the Mormon creed." Judge Cradlebaugh then gives a full history of his visit to the scene of the massacre and of his utter failure to procure the arrest of one of the guilty parties ; and also gives the reasons why the Courts were powerless to bring offenders to justice. After giving the history of many of the crimes committed by the priestly crew, the speech closes with the following eloquent sen- tences : "There can be no doubt that the mass of the Mormon com- munity are misled in their errors by a set of heartless, fanati- cal leaders. Their success- may be much attributed to their isolation. That isolation the fast filUng up of the Great Basin, because of its vast mineral deposits, will soon do away with. Nevada now has a population equal to Utah. Thriving towns and cities are springing up on the Humboldt river — and in near proximity to the Mormons. Brigham sees this, and he knows and feels that he must place himself in a position to prevent the consequences to his system which will grow out of this con- tiguity of settlement. He feels that he cannot keep his women where they have a chance to get away, unless he can protect himself by legislation further than he is able to do while his community remains under the general jurisdiction of the Gov- ernment. It is on that account that he manifests so great a •desire to become an independent State. I say he desires to become a State, for under his tyrannical sway, and with the system that is now prevalent, Brigham would be the State and the State would be Brigham. "The people of Utah have nothing but ill will towards our government. The great mass know nothing of our institu- TNTB OD UC TOn Y. 3 1 tions ; tbey came to Zion, not to Ara(3rica. They are hurried through the settled portions of our country without being allow- ed to become acquainted with our people or institutions. Upon arriving in Utah they hear nothing but abuse of our people ; the whole fountain of patriotism is polluted, and they are taught tliat they owe neither allegiance nor love to our government. Treason and insubordination are openly taught. God forbid that this people should be admitted into the Union as an inde- pendent State ; I protest against it in the name of humanity, which it would violate by the admission ; I protest against it on behalf of my constituents, who have a deep interest in the in- stitutions that are to prevail in the great American Basin ; I protest against it in the name and on behalf of the murdered victims of the cruel Mormon faith, whose mouldering bones are bleaching in almost every valley in the Territory ; I protest against it on behalf of the downtrodden and undone women of Utah, who, with their female posterity, in all time to come, will bless those that would not aid in keeping them in bondage." The foregoing is, in my judgment, sufficient to show what Mormonism was, and the influences that were brought to bear upon the citizens of Utah at the time of the commission of the massacre. The Territory was practically without courts of justice from 1857 until after the passage of the " Poland Bill," since which time the Federal officers in Utah have made great and praise- worthy exertions to enforce the laws in the Territory. ORGANIZATION OF THE COURT AT BEAVER CITY. ' The Second District Court convened in Beaver City, Utah Territory, on the seventh day of September, A. D. 1874. A grand jury was summoned for the 7th of September, but the panel was not completed until the 9th of September. This was the first grand jury under the Poland Bill. This was the first term of this court at which a Federal or Gentile officer had charge of the grand jury. This grand jury consisted of fifteen men, ten Gentiles, four Mormons, and one Apostate. Wm. Stokes and B. L. Duncan rendered efficient service in procuring witnesses to go before this grand jury. This grand jury was in session from the 9lh to the 25th day of September, 1874. The indictment against John D. Lee and others, charging them with the crime of murder at the Moun- tain Meadows, was returned into court on the 24th day of 32 I^TB OD UC TOE Y. September, 1874. Twenty-eight indictments for various crimes were found and returned by this jury. D. P. Whedon, Esq., acted as deputy United States Attorney, and drew all the in- dictments presented at that term of court. Great credit is due to Judge AVhedon for the able manner in which he discharged his duty while acting as deputy United States Attorney in Utah. Hon. Jacob S. Boreman was the Presiding Judge during all of the time since 1874, in that district. General George P. Maxwell, the United States Marshal for Utah, was an efiicient ofllcer. He resigned his position after the first trial of Lee, and was succeeded by Colonel William Nelson^ the present United States Marshal for Utah. James R. Wilkins, the clerk of the court, is an affable, edu- cated gentleman, in every way qualified for his position. Hon. William Carey, United States Attorney, who prosecuted at the first trial, was succeeded by Hon. Sumner Howard, who secured a conviction of Lee, by beating the Mormons at their own game of trickery. At the first trial, a jury was sworn to try the case on the 24th day of July, 1875. The prosecution was conducted by William Carey, United States Attorne}^ for Utah, D. P. Whedon, deputy United States Attorney, P. N. Boskin, Presley Denney, Charles H. Swift and C. M. Hawle3^ The defendant was represented by J. G. Sutherland, E. D^ Hoge, Wells Spicer, John McFarland and Wm. W. Bishop. After several days of legal strife, the case was given to the jury, and failing to agree (nine being for Not Guilty, and three being for Guilty), the jury were discharged and the case con- tinued. At the succeeding May term of the Court, the prosecution being without money to carry on the case, or procure witnesses, and the defendant insisting upon a trial, the court admitted him to bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars, which bail was at once giv^n, and Lee was then discharged from custody, and remain- ed at liberty until a few days before the commencement of the second trial, at which time he was surrendered to the court by his Mormon bondsmen, they having been ordered by the Church authorities to withdraw all assistance and sympathy from John D. Lee, as he had been selected as a victim to shoulder the sins, of the people of the Mormon Church. Daniel H. Wells was pres- INTBODUCTOBY. 33 ent in person at Beaver, to see that the treachery of the Mor- mon leaders was completely carried out. September 14, 1876, a jury was empaneled to try the case the second time. Twelve jurymen were found who were con- sidered safe by the Church authorities, and all other parties concerned, and the trial commenced. The attorneys for the defendant had been furnished a list of the jurymen, and the list was examined by a committee of Mormons, who marked those who would convict with a dash ( — ), those who would rather not convict with a star (*), and those who were certain to acquit John D. Lee, under all circumstances, with two stars (**). It is sufficient on that subject to simply say, all the jury- men accepted were marked with the two stars in the list, and they acted as the Church directed — they convicted ! As a matter of explanation, I may be pardoned for saying that the Mormons, who gave us the list so marked, had shown it to How- ard before they gave it to us, and informed him that he had nothing to fear! The law and evidence, and also Brigham Young and the Mormon Church, were then all against Lee, hence his conviction was a foregon-e conclusion. The evidence is given in full in the body of this work, and speaks for itself. The jury brought in a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree, and the Court passed sentence of death upon Lee. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court of Utah Territory, and the judgment of the District Court affirmed. Lee was again taken to Beaver and sentenced to be shot. The sentence was carried into effect on the 23d day of March, A. D. 1877. At the last trial the prosecution was conducted by Sumner Howard, U. S. Attorney for Utah, and Presley Denney, Deputy U. S. Attorney. The defendant was represented by Wells Spicer, J. C. Foster and W. W. Bishop. After John D. Lee had been convicted, he consented to make a full confession of all that he knew concerning the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and at his request I assisted him in writing up the confession. He then made an assignment of all his writings to me, and requested me to publish the same. I have over one thousand pages of his manuscripts and writings, in his own handwriting. I have corrected the same as I have seen fit, by correcting the spelling and punctuation ; otherwise I give the writings and confessions in the exact lanofuagre of John D. Lee. 34 INTB OD UCTOB Y. Several persons having made claim to the possession of the true confession of Lee, I can only say that what I have published was given to me by him for the purpose of publication, and that he insisted up to the moment of his execution his statements were true. As my authority for publishing his life and confessions, I give the following letter, which he wrote to me, and which, with others that I have since received from him, and still retain, give me the sole right to publish his writings. The letter reads as follows : "Beaver City, Utah Territory, Sept. 30, 1876. "W.W. Bishop: '-^ Dear Sir — Having acted for me as one of my Attorneys, and having in all respects done your utmost for my acquittal and interest generally ; now that I am awaiting sentence of death on the charge of having aided in the Mountain Meadows Massa- cre, in case of my death, or final imprisonment, I wish you to still continue my counsel and friend, and as such to publish to the world the history of my life and of my connection with the affair for which I have been tried. You are familar with the facts, and have my statements, which are true. My journals and private papers will be furnished you by my family, the same to be re- turned when examined. In justice to myself, and to my family, I wish you to publish the true history of my life. After the expenses are paid for the publication, I expect you to divide the profits arising therefrom with my family. Charging you with this sacred trust, and by reason of my own Inability to pub- lish my life, by reason of imprisonment, I urge you to carry out this my request. "Your true friend and no mistake. The Mountain Meadows are situated in Washington County, Utah Territory, and between the seventh and eight parallels of south latitude, from Salt Lake meridian. If the government survey was extended over that portion of Utah Territory, then the particular portion of the Meadows where the massacre was committed, would be within the limits of township thirty-seven, south of range twelve west. The monument, erected at the place of the massacre, is three hundred and twenty miles south-west from Salt Lake City, by road measure, as the road ran in 1857. A line extended two hundred miles due south, from Salt Lake City, and then run, at right angles, seventy-five miles due II i J2i QJ o r 2-t o P-I •« <^ ft INTB OB UC TOB Y. 35 west, would terminate at the monument. The Meadows are thirty-six miles south-west of Cedar City, where the massacre was finally planned by Haight, Higby, Klingensmith and the Mormon authorities then in council. At the time of the massacre, if the evidence of the vampires who acted as Church slaves to secure the conviction of Lee are to be believed, the Meadows were covered with an abundance of rank, nutritious grasses, and was a beautiful, smiling spot of . LEE, 61 ed from God. It was to the effect that all the Saints throughout the land were required to sell their possessions, gather all their money together, and send an agent to buy up all the land in the region round about Far West, and get a patent for the land from the Government, then deed it over to the Church ; then every man should come up there to the land of their promised inheri- tance and consecrate what they had to the Lord. In return the Prophet would set apart a tract of land for each Saint — the amount to correspond with the number of the Saint's famil}^ — and this land should be for each Saint an everlasting inheritance. In this way the people could, in time, redeem Zion (Jackson County) without the shedding of blood. It was also revealed that unless this was done, in accordance with God's demand, as required by Him in the Revelation then given to the people through his Prophet, Joseph Smith, the Saints would be driven from State to State, from city to city, from one abiding place to another, until the members would die and waste away, leaving but a remnant of the Saints to return and receive their inheri- tance in Zion (Jackson County) in the Last Days. Sidney Rigdon was then the mouth-piece of Joseph Smith, as Aaron was of Moses in olden time. Rigdon told the Saints that day that if they did not come up as true Saints and consecrate their prop- erty to the Lord, by laying it down at the feet of the apostles, they would in a short time be compelled to consecrate and yield it up to the Gentiles. That if the Saints would be united as one man, in this consecration of their entire wealth to the God of Heaven, by giving it up to the control of the Apostolic Priest- hood, then there would be no further danger to the Saints ; they would no more be driven from their homes on account of their faith and holy works, for the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith that He would then fight the battles of His children, and save them from all their enemies. That the Mormon people would never be accepted as the children of God unless they were united as one man, in temporal as well as spiritual affairs, for Jesus had said unless ye are one, ye are not mine ; that oneness must exist to make the Saints the accepted children of God. That if the Saints would yield obedience to the commands of the Lord all would be well, for the Lord had confirmed these promises by a revelation which He had given to Joseph Smith, in which it was said; "I, the Lord, will fight the battles of my people, and if ^-our enemies shall come up against you, spare 62 MOBMONISM UNVEILED. them, and if they shall come up against you again, then shall ye spare them also ; even unto the third time shall ye spare them ; but if they come up against you the fourth time, I, the Lord, will deliver them into your hands, to do with them as seemeth good unto you ; but if you will then spare them it shall be ac- -counted unto you for righteousness." The words of the apostle, and the promises of God, as then revealed to me, made a deep impression on my mind, as it did upon all who heard the same. We that had given up all else for the sake of the gospel, felt willing to do anything on earth that it was possible to do, to obtain the protection of God, and have and receive His smile of approbation. Those who, like me, had full faith in the teachings of God, as revealed by Joseph Smith, His Prophet, were willing to comply with every order, and to obey every wish of the priesthood. The majority of the people felt like Ananias and Sapphira, they dare not trust all to God and His Prophet. They felt that their money was as safe in their own possession as it was when held by the Church authorities. A vote of the people was then had to determine the question whether they would consecrate their wealth to the Church or not. The vote was taken and was unanimous for the consecra- tion. I soon found out that the people had voted as I have often known them to do in Mormon meetings since then, they vote- to please the priesthood, then act to suit themselves. I never thought that was right or honest ; men should vote their senti- ilients, but they do not at all times do so. I have been the vic- tim of such hyprocrites, as the sequel will show. The vote, as I said, was taken. It was done by a show of hands, but not a show of hearts. By the readiness with which all hands went up in favor of consecration, it was declared that the people were of a truth God's children, and as such, would be protected by him. The Prophet and all his priesthood were ju- bilant, and could hardly contain themselves ; they were so hap- py to see the people such dutiful Saints. Sidney Rigdon, on that day, delivered an oration, in which he said the Mormons were, as a people, loyal to the government, and obedient to the laws, and as such, they were entitled to the protection of the government, in common with all other denom- inanations, and were justified in claiming as full protection, in their religious matters, as the people of any other sect. That the Mormons had long suffered from mob rule and violence, but LIFE OF JOJiS D. LEE. 63 would no longer submit to the mob or unjust treatment that had so long followed them. Now and forever more would they meet force with force. "We have been driven from Iv.rkland Ohio, from Jackson County, the true Zion. and now we will maintain our rights, defend our homes, our wives and chiklren, and our property from mob rule and violence. If the bauits are again attacked, we will carry on a war of extermination acainst our enemies, even to their homes and firesides; until we despoil those who have despoiled us, and give no quarter un- til our enemies are wasted away. We will unfurl to the breeze the flac of our nation, and under that banner of freedom we will maintain our rights, or die in the attempt." At the end of each sentence Eigdon was loudly cheered; and when he closed his oration, I believed the Mormons could successfully resist tlie world. But this feeling of confidence faded away as soon as a second thought entered my mind. I then feared that the days of liberty for our people had been numbered. First, I feared the people would not give up all their worldly possessions, to be disposed of by and at the will and pleasure of three men. In the second place, I doubted the people being so fully regenerated as to entitle them to the full and unconditional support and fav- or of God, that had been promised through the Eevelation to Joseph Smith, in favor of the Latter Day Saints. I knew that God was able and willing to do all He had promised but I feared that the people still loved worldly pleasures so well that God s mercy would be rejected by them, and all would be lost About three days after the proclamation of R.gdon had been made, there was a storm of rain, during which the thunder and lightnings were constant and terrible. The liberty pole m the town wL struck by lightning, and shivered to atoms This evidence from the God of nature also convinced me that the Mormon people's liberties, in that section of the country, were not to be of long duration. CHAPTER IV. THE SAINTS AKE BESET WITH TROUBLES. THE Saints did not consecrate their possessions as they had so recently voted they would do ; they began to reflect, and the final determination was that they could manage their worldly effects better than any one of the apostles ; in fact better than the Prophet and the priesthood combined. Individual Saints entered large tracts of land in their own names, and thereb}^ se- cured all of the most desirable land . round about Far West. These landed proprietors became the worst kind of extortionists, and forced the poor Saints to pay them large advances for every acre of land that was settled, and nothing could be called free from the control of the money power of the rich and head-strong Mormons who had defied the revelations and wishes of God. So things went from bad to worse, until the August election at Gallatin. The difliculty on that day had brought the Church and Saints to a stand-still ; business was paralyzed ; alarm seized the stoutest hearts, and dismay was visible in every countenance. The prophet soon issued an order to gather all the people at Far West and Adam-on-Diamond, under the leadership of Col. Ly- man White, for the purpose of protecting the people from mob violence, and to save the property from lawless thieves who were roaming the country in armed bands. The Gentiles and Mormons hastened to the executive of the State. The Gentiles asked for a military force to protect the settlers from Mormon violence. The Mormons requested an in- vestigating committee to inquire into the whole subject and sug- gest means necessary for future safety to each party. Also they demanded military protection from the mobs and outlaws that infested the country. The Governor sent som'* troops to keep order. They were stationed about midway Do- tween Far West and Adam-on-Diamond. A committee was also appointed and sent to Gallatin to inquire into the recei?' disturbances. This committee had full power to send for wi^' LIFE OJ^ JOHN D. LEE. 65 nesses, make arrests of persons accused of crime, and generally to do all things necessary for a full and complete investigation of the entire affair. Many arrests were made at the request of the commmittee. The persons so arrested were taken before Justice Black, of Daviess County, and examined ; witnesses were examined for both parties, and much hard and false swearing was done on both sides. After a long and fruitless examination the committee adjourned, leaving the military to look after mat- ters until something would turn up to change the feeling of dan- ger then existing. It was thought by the committee that all would soon become quiet and that peace would soon be re- stored. The Gentiles of the country were dissatisfied with the action of the committee, and were in no way disposed to accept peace on any terms ; they determined that, come what would, the Mormons should be driven from the State of Missouri. Let- ters were written by the Gentiles around Far West to all parts of the State, and elsewhere, giving the most fearful accounts of Mormon atrocities. Some of the writers said it was useless to send less than three or four men for each Mormon, because the Mormons felt sure of Heaven if they fell fighting, hence thej^ did not fear death ; that they fought with the desperation of devils. Such reports spread like wild-fire throughout Northern Missouri, and thence all over the States of the Mississippi Val- ley, and resulted in creating a feeling of the most intense hatred in the breasts of all the Gentiles against the Mormons. Com- panies of volunteers were raised and armed in every town through Northern Missouri, and commenced concentrating in the vicinity of the Mormon settlements. The troops sent by the Governor to guard the settlers and preserve order soon took part with the mob, and all show for legal protection was gone, so far as Mormons were concerned. I had built a cabin in the valley of Adara-on-Diamond, at the point where the Prophet said Adam blessed his posterity after being driven from the Garden of Eden. The condition of the country being such that we could not labor on our farms, I concluded to go and hunt for wild honey. Several of my neighbors agreed to join me in my bee hunt, and we started with our teams, and traveled northeasterly until we reached the heavy timber at the three forks of Grand River. We camped on the middle fork of Grand River, and had fine success in securing honey. We had been out at camp only two or three days when we dis- 5 66 M0BM0NIS3I UNVEILED. covered signs of armed men rushing through the country. On the 3rd of October, 1838, we saw a large number of men that we knew were enemies to the Mormons, and on their way, as we supposed, to attack our people at the settlements. I concluded to go and meet them, and find out for certain what they were really intending to do. I was forced to act with caution, for, if they discovered that we were Mormons, our lives would be taken by the desperate men composing the mob who called themselves State volunteers. I took my gun and carried a bucket on my arm and started out to meet the people, to learn their intentions. I met them soon after they had broken camp on Sunday morning. As soon as I saw them I was certain they were out hunting for Mormons. I concluded to pass myself off as an outsider, the better to learn their history. My plan worked admirably. I stood my ground until a company of eighteen men rode up to me, and said: "You move earty." " Not so d — d early, gentlemen ; I am not moving any sooner than you are. What are you all doing in this part of the coun- try, armed to the teeth as you are? Are you hunting for In- dians?" " No," said they, " but we wish to know where you are from, and what you are doing." "I am from Illinois ; there are four of us who have come out here to look up a good location to settle. We stopped on Mar- rowbone, and did think of staying there, until the settlers and Mormons got into a row at Gallatin, on election day. After that we concluded to strike out and see what this country looked like. I am now going to cut a bee tree that I found yesterday evening, and I brought my gun along so that if I met an old buck I could secure some venison, to eat with my honey- comb." As I got through my statement, they all huddled around me, and commenced to relate the horrors of Mormonism. They advised me to have nothing to do with the Mormons, for said they, "As old Joe Smith votes, so will every Mormon in the country vote, and when they get into a fight, they are just the same way, they stick together; when you attack one of the crew you bring every one of them after you like a nest of hornets." LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 67 I said I had heard a little of the fuss at Gallatin, but did not suppose I had got the right of the story, and would be glad if they would tell me just how it was. I should like to learn the facts from an eye witness. Several of the men spoke up and said they were there and saw it all. They then told the story, and did the Mormons more justice than I expected from them. They said, among other things, that there was a large raw- boned man there, who spoke in tongues, and that when the fight commenced he said, " Charge Danites," and if ever you saw men pitch in like devils, they did it there. Our men fell thick as hail wherever those Danites charged with their clubs. They then said the Mormons must leave the country, and if we do not make them do so now, they will be so strong that we cannot compel them to go, unless we force them away; they will be so strong in a few years that they will rule the country as they please. That another band of men would come along soon, and they would then go through the Mormon settlements, and burn up every house, and lynch every d — d Mormon they could find. That the militia had been sent to keep order in Daviess County, but would soon be gone, and the work of destroy- ing the Mormons in general would begin. I said, ''Give them h — 1, and if they have done as you say they have, pay them in their own coin." The company then passed on, and I returned with a heavy heart to my friends. I advised taking an immediate start for home, and in a few minutes we were on our way. While com- ing up from home we had found four bee trees, that we left standing, intending to cut them down and get the honey as we went back. When we got on the prairie, which was about eight miles across, the men with me wanted to go and get the honey. I was fearful that the people I had met in the morning would attack the settlements, and I wanted to go directly home and let trees and honey alone. While we were talking the matter over, a single black bird came to us apparently in great distress. It flew around each one of us, and would alight on the head of each one of our horses, and especially on my horses' heads, and it even came and alighted on my hat, and would squeak like it was in pain, and turn its feathers up, and acted like it wished to warn us of danger. Then it flew ofl" towards the settlements where I wished to go. All admitted that they were strange actions for a bird, but C8 M0BM0NIS3I UNVEILED. they still insisted on going to cut the bee trees. I was per- suaded to go with them. We had gone a quarter of a mile fur-* ther, when the black bird returned to us and went through th& same performances as before, and again flew off toward the set- tlement. This was to me a warning to go home at once, that there was danger there to my family. I then proposed that we all join in prayer. We did so, and I prayed to the Author of our existence, and asked that if it was his will for us to go home at once, and if the black bird had been sent as a warning mes- senger, to let it return again, and I would follow it. We then traveled on some two miles, when the messenger returned the third time and appeared, if possible, more determined than be- fore to turn us towards home. I turned my team and started,, as straight as I could go, for Adam-on-Diamond. As we passed over the prairie we saw the smoke rising from many farms and houses in the vicinity of where we had left our bee trees. Thi» smoke showed us that our enemies were at work, and that had we kept on in the course we were first intending to travel we would have fallen into the hands of the lawless mob and lost our lives. Before we reached home the news of the attack upon the settlements had reached there. It was also reported, and we afterwards learned that the report was true, that many of the Mormon settlers had been tied to trees and fearfully whip- ped with hickory withes, some of them being horribly mangled by the mob. This conduct on the part of the Gentiles roused every Mormon to action, and the excitement was very great. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, was sent for. In the meantime Col. White called together every man and bo}^ that could carry arms. When the forces were assembled Col. White made a war speech* As he spoke he stood by his fine brown horse. There was a bear skin on his saddle. He had a red handkerchief around his head, regular Indian fashion, with the knot in front ; bare headed, in his shirt sleeves, with collar open, showing his naked breast. He held a large cutlass in his right hand. His manner of address struck terror to his enemies, while it charged his brethren with enthusiastic zeal and forced them to believe the}^ were invinci- ble and bullet proof. We were about three hundred and sev- ent3^-five strong. I stood near Col. White while he was speak- ing, and I judge of its effect upon others by the way it affected me. While our Colonel was in the midst of his speech the aid-de- LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 69 -camp of the militia Colonel was sent with a dispatch to Col. White, to the efTect that the militia had become mutinous and <;ould no longer be controlled, but were going to join the mob ; that the Colonel would disband his forces, and he would then go and report to the Governor the true condition of the country ; that Col. White must take and make use of all the means in his power to protect the people from the mob, for the government officers were powerless to aid him. The aid did not deliver his message, for as he rode up close to where Col. White was stand- ing speaking to his men, he stopped and listened a short time ; then wheeled his horse and rode back to the militia camp and reported that Col. White had 15,000 men under arms, in battle array, and would be upon their camp in less than two hours ; that he was then making a speech to the army, and that it was the most exciting speech he had ever listened to in his life ; that he meant war and that of the most fearful kind ; and that the only safety for their forces was in instant retreat. The soldiers broke camp and left in haste. I cannot say that the Colonel commanding the militia was alarmed, or that he fled through fear of being overcome, but it suited him to leave there, for he was anxious to prevent a collision between his troops and the men under Col. White. The Prophet, Joseph Smith, when informed of the danger of the settlers from mob violence, sent Maj. Seymour Brunson, of Par West, with fifty men, to protect the settlers who lived on the two forks of the Grand Eiver. Col. White kept his men in readiness for action. A strong guard was posted round the settlement ; a point was agreed upon, to which place all were to hasten in case of alarm. This point of meeting was east of the town, under the bluffs, on the main road leading from Mill Port to Adam-on-Diamond. This road ran between the fields and bluff*. We expected to be attacked every hour. A few nights after- wards the alarm was given, and every man rushed to the field. When I reached the command, I found everything in confusion. The officer in command tried to throw two companies across the road, but the firing was heavy and constant from the opposing forces, who had selected a strong point for the purpose of attack and defence. The flash of tlic rifles, and the ringing reports that echoed through the hills at each discharge of the guns, added to the confusion, and soon forced the Mormons to take up their 70 MOBMONISM UNVEILED, position in the fence corners and elsewhere, so they could be in a measure protected from the bullets of the enemy. Soon there was order in our ranks, and we were prepared to dislodge our opponents or die in the attempt, when two men came at the full speed of their horses, shouting, "Peace, peace, cease firing,, it is our friends," etc. Chapman Duncan, the Adjutant of Col. White, was the one who shouted peace, etc. We were then in- formed that the men we had taken for a part of the Gentile mob were no other than the command of Maj. Brunson, who had been out on the Three Forks of Grand River, to defend the settlers, and that he had been ordered back to the main body, or any of the Hosts of Israel ; that they had intended to stop at Mill Port, but finding it deserted, they concluded to alarm the troops at Adam-on-Diamond, so as to learn whether they would fight or not. I admit that I was much pleased to learn that danger was over, and that we were facing friends and not enemies ; y^t I was mad to think any men would impose upon us in that way. The experiment was a dangerous one, and likely to be very serious in its consequences. The other men with me were- equally mad at the insult offered by those who had been so> foolish as to question our bravery. By the efforts of our oflflcers all was soon explained, and amid peals of laughter we returned to our homes. The withdrawal of the State militia was the signal for the- Gentiles and Mormons to give vent to the worst of their inclina- tions. The Mormons, at command of the Prophet, at once aban- doned their homes, taking what could be carried with them, and hastened to either Far West or Adam-on-Diamond for protec-- tion and safety. Some few refused to obey orders, and they afterwards paid the penalty for disobedience by giving up their lives to the savage Gentiles wh o attacked and well nigh exter- minated them. Armed men roamed in bands all over Caldwell, Carroll, and Daviess Counties ; both Mormons and Gentiles were under arms, and doing injury to each other when occasion offer- ed. The burning of houses, farms, and stacks of grain was generally indulged in by each party. Lawlessness prevailed, and pillage was the rule. The Prophet, Joseph Smith, said it was a civil war ; that by the rules of war each party was justified in spoiling his enemy. This opened the door to the evil disposed, and men of former quiet became perfect demons in their efforts to spoil and waste LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 71 away the enemies of the Church. I then found that men are creatures of circumstances, and that the occasion calls forth the men needed for each enterprise. I also soon saw that it was the natural inclination of men to steal, and convert to their own use that which others possessed. What perplexed me most was to see that religion had not the power to subdue that passion in man, but that at the first moment when the restrictions of the Church were withdrawn, the most devout men in our community acted like they had served a lifetime in evil, and were natural- born thieves. But the men who stole then were not really honest, for I spotted every man that I knew to steal during the troubles in Missouri and Illinois, and I have found that they were never really converted, were never true Saints, but they used their pretence of religion as a cloak to cover their evil deeds. I have watched their rise and fall in the Church, and I know from their fate that honesty is the only true policy. Being young, stout, and having plenty of property, I fitted myself out in first-class style. I had good horses and plenty of the best of arms. I joined in the general patrol duty, and took part in daily raids made under either Major Brunson or Capt. Alexander McRay, now Bishop of a Ward in Salt Lake City. I saw much of what was being done by both parties. I also made several raids under Captain Jonathan Dunham, alias Black Hawk. I remember one incident that was amusing at the time, as it enabled us to determine what part of our forces would fight on the field and face the enemy, and also those who preferred to fight with their mouths. Early in the morning, while Maj. Branson's men were march- ing along, shivering in the cold — for it was a dark, cloudy morning, late in October, 1838 — we saw a company of horsemen some three miles away. We concluded they were Missourians, and made for them at full speed. They halted and appeared willing to fight us when our command got within three hundred yards of them. Many of ouv pulpit braves found out all at once that they must stop and dismount, to fix their sad- dles or for some other reason. The remainder of us rode on until within one hundred and fifty yards of the other force, and were drawn up in line of battle. Maj. Brunson rode forward and hailed them, saying, " Who are you ?" *' Capt. McKay," was the reply. " Who are you ?" 72 MOBMOXISM UNVEILED. " Maj. Brunson.'* They met and shook hands. Seeing this the pulpit braves rushed up in great haste and took their places in the ranks, and lamented because we did not have an enemy to overcome. So it is through life — a coward is generally a liar ; those men were cowards, and lied when they pretended they would like to fight. All cowards are liars, but many liars are brave men. While I was engaged with the Mormon troops in ranging over the countr}^, the men that I was with took a large amount of loose property, but did not while I was with them burn any houses or murder any men. Yet we took what property we could find, especially provisions, fat cattle and arms and ammu- nition. But still many houses were burned and much damage was done by the Mormons, and they captured a howitzer and many guns from the Gentiles. Frequent attacks were made upon the Mormon settlements. The Mormons made an attack on Gallatin one night, and carried off much plunder. I was not there with them, but I talked often with them and learned all the facts about it. The town was burnt down, and ever}- thing of value, including the goods in two stores, was carried off by the Mormons. I often escaped being present with the troops on their thieving expeditions, by loaning m}^ horses and arms to others who liked that kind of work better than I did. Unless I had adopted that course I could never have escaped from being present with the Hosts of Israel in all their lawless acts, for I was one of the regular Host, and I could not escape going when ordered, unless I furnished a substitute, which sometimes was accepted, but not always. A company went from Adam-on-Dia- mond and burned the house and buildings belonging to my friend McBrier. Every article of moveable property was taken by the troops; he was utterly ruined. This man had been a friend to me and many others of the brethren ; he was an hon- orable man, but his good character and former acts of kindness had no effect on those who were working, as they pretended, to build up the Kingdom of God. The Mormons brought in every article that could be used, and much that was of no use or value was hauled to Adam-on-Diamond. Men stole simply for the love of stealing. Such inexcusable acts of lawlessness had the effect to arouse every Gentile in the three Counties of Caldwell, Carroll and Daviess, as well as to bring swarms of armed Gen- tiles from other localities. LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 73 Lyman White, with three hundred men, was called to defend Far West. I went with his command. The night White reached Far West, the battle of Croolved River was fought. Captain David Patton, alias Fear Not, one of the twelve apos- tles, was sent out b}^ the prophet with fifty men, to attack a body of Missourians, who were camping on the Crooked River. Captain Patton's men were nearly all, if not every one of them, Danites. The attack was made just before daylight in the morning. Captain Fear Not wore a white blanket overcoat, and led the attacking party. He was a brave, impulsive man. He rushed into the thickest of the fight, regardless of danger — reall}^ seeking it to show his men that God would shield him from all harm. But he counted, without just reason, upon being invinci- ble, for a ball soon entered his body, passing through his hips, and cutting his bladder. The wound was fatal ; but he kept on his feet, and led his men some time before yielding to the effects of the wound. The Gentiles said afterwards that Captain Pat- ton told his men to charge in the name of Lazarus, " Charo-e, Danites, charge! " and that as soon as he uttered the command, which distinguished him, they gave the Danite Captain a com- mission with powder and ball, and sent him on a mission to preach to the spirits that were in prison. In this battle several men were killed and wounded on both sides. I do not remem- ber all of the names of the Danites that were killed, but I do re- member that a man by the name of Banion was killed, and one by the name of Jas. Holbrook was wounded. I knew a man by the name of Tarwater, on the Gentile side, that was cut up fearfully. He was taken prisoner. Ihe Danites routed the Gentiles, who fled in every direction. The night being dark, Jas. Holbrook and another Danite met, and had a hand-to-hand fight, in which they cut each other fearfully with their swords before they dis- covered that they were friends. After the Gentiles retreated, the Mormons started for Far West, taking Tarwater along as a prisoner. After traveling several miles, they halted in a grove of timber, and released Tarwater, telling him he was free to go home. He started off, and when he was some forty yards from the Mormons, Parley P. Pratt, then one of the Twelve Apostles, stepped up to a tree, laid his gun up by the side of the tree, tooii deliberate aim, and shot Tarwater. He fell and lay still. The Mormons, believing he was dead, went on and left him ly- ing where he fell. Tarwater came to, and reached home, where 74 MOBMONISM UNVEILED. he was taken care of, and soon recovered from his wounds. He afterwards testified in court against the Mormons that he knew^ and upon his evidence Parley P. Pratt was imprisoned in the Richmond jail, in 1839. I must remind the reader that I am writing in prison, and am not allowed to have a book of reference, and as most of my private writings and journals have been heretofore delivered to the agents of Brigham Young, and all have been destroyed, or at least kept from me, I am forced to rely on my memory for names and dates, and if I make mistakes in either, this must be my excuse. CHAPTER V. THE MORMON WAR IN MISSOURI. AFTER 1844, it was my habit to keep a journal, in which I wrote at length all that I considered worthy of remember- ing:. Most of my journals, written up to 1860, were called for by Brigham Young, under the plea that he wished the Church historian to write up the Church history, and wished my jour- nal to aid him in making the history perfect. As these jour- nals contained many things not intended for the public eye, and especially very much concerning the crimes of Mormon leaders in Southern Utah and elsewhere, and all I knew of the Moun- tain Meadows Massacre, and what led to it, they were never returned to me. I suppose they were put out of the way, per- haps burned, for these journals gave an account of mau}^ dark deeds. I was at Far West when the Danites returned. They brought Captain Patton with them. He died that night, and his death, spread a mantle of gloom over the entire community. It robbed many of their fond hope that they were invincible. If Fear Not could be killed, who could claim immunity from the missiles of death, hurled by Gentile weapons? I admit up to this time I firmly beUeved what the Prophet and his apostles had said on that subject. I had considered that I LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 75 was bullet proofs that no Gentile ball could ever harm me, or any Saint, and I had believed that a Danite could not be killed by Gentile hands. I thought that one Danite could chase a thou- sand Gentiles, and two could put ten thousand to flight. Alas ! my dream of security was over. One of our mighty men had fallen, and that by Gentile hands. My amazement at the fact was equal to my sorrow for the death of the great warrior apos- tle. I had considered that all the battles between Danites and Gentiles would end like the election fight at Gallatin, and that the only ones to be injured would be the Gentiles. We had been promised and taught by the Prophet and his priesthood that henceforth God would fight our battles, and I looked as a con- sequence for a bloodless victory on the side of the Lord, and that nothing but disobedience to the teachings of the priesthood could render a Mormon subject to injury from Gentile forces. I believed as our leaders taught us, that all our suff^erings and persecutions, were brought upon us by the all-wise God of Heaven, as chastisement to bring us together in unity of faith and strict obedience to the requirements of the Gospel ; and the feeling was general, that all our sufferings were the result of in- dividual sin, and not the fault of our leaders and spiritual guides. We, as members of the Church, had no right to ques- tion any act of our superiors ; to do so wounded the Spirit of God, and lead to our own loss and confusion. I was thunderstruck to hear Joseph Smith, the apostle, say at the funeral of Capt. Patton that the Mormons fell by the missiles of death the same as other men. He also said that the Lord was angry with the people, for they had been unbelieving and faith- less ; they had denied the Lord the use of their earthly treas- ures, and placed their aflTections upon worldly things more than the}^ had upon heavenl}^ things ; that to expect God's favor we must blindly trust him ; that if the Mormons would wholly trust in God the windows of heaven would be opened and a shower of blessings sent upon the people ; that all the people could contain of blessings would be given as a reward for obedience to the will of God as made known to mankind through the Prophet of the ever-living God ; that the Mormons, if faithful, obedient and true followers of the advice of their leaders, would soon enjoy all the wealth of the earth ; that God would consecrate the riches of the Gentiles to the Saints. This and much more he said to induce the people to obey the will of the priesthood. I believed 76 MOBMONISM UNVEILED. all he said, for he supported it by quotations from Scripture, and if I believed the Bible, as I did most implicitly, I could not help believing in Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God in these last days. Joseph Smith declared that he was called of God and given power and authority from heaven to do God's will ; that he had received the keys of the holy priesthood from the apostles Peter, James and John, and had been dedicated, set apart and anointed as the prophet, seer and revelator ; sent to open the dispensation of the fullness of time, according to the words of the apostles ; that he was charged with the restoration of the house of Israel, and to gather the Saints from the four corners of the earth to the land of promise, Zion, the Holy Land (Jackson County), and set- ting up the kingdom of God preparatory to the second coming of Christ in the last days. Every Mormon, if true to his faith, believed as fully in Joseph Smith and his holy character as they did that God existed. Joseph Smith was a most extraordinary man ; he was rather large in stature, some six feet two inches in height, well built, though a little stoop-shouldered, prominent and well-developed features, a Roman nose, light chestnut hair, upper lip full and rather protruding, chin broad and square, an eagle eye, and on the whole there was something in his manner and appearance that was bewitching and winning ; his countenance was that of a plain, honest man, full of benevolence and philanthropy and void of deceit or hypocrisy. He was resolute and firm of pur- pose, strong as most men in physical power, and all who saw were forced to admire him, as he then looked and existed. In the sports of the day, such as wrestling, etc., he was over an average. Very few of the Saints had the strength needed to throw the Prophet in a fair tussel ; in every gathering he was a welcome guest, and always added to the amusement of the peo- ple, instead of dampening their ardor. During the time that we were camping at Adam-on-Diamond, waiting to see what would be the result of the quarrel between our Church and the Gentiles, one Sunday morning (it had rained heavily the night before and the air was cold) the men were shivering over a few fire-brands, feeling out of sorts and quite cast down. The Prophet came up while the brethren were moping around, and caught first one and then another and shook them up, and said, *'Get out of here, and wrestle, jump, run, do anything but mope around ; warm yourselves up ; this inactivity will not do JOSEPH SMITH. (The Founder and first Prophet of the Mormon Church.) LIFE OF JOHX B. LEE. 77 for soldiers." The words of the Prophet put life and energy into the men. A ring was soon formed, according to the cus- tom of the people. The Prophet stepped into the ring, ready for a tussel with any comer. Several went into the ring to try their strength, but each one was thrown by the Prophet, until he had thrown several of the stoutest of the men present. Then he stepped out of the ring and took a man by the arm and led him in to take his place, and so it continued — the men who were thrown retiring in favor of the successful one. A man would keep the ring so long as he threw his adversary. The style of wrestling varied with the desires of the parties. The Eastern men, or Yankees, used square hold, or collar and elbow ; those from the Middle States side hold, and the South- ern and Western men used breeches hold and old Indian hug or back hold. If a man was hurt he stood it without a murmur ; it was considered cowardly and childish to whine when thrown down or hurt in the fall. While the sport was at its height Sidney Eigdon, the mouth- piece of the Prophet, rushed into the ring, sword in hand, and said that he would not suflfer a lot of men to break the Sabbath day in that manner. For a moment all were silent, then one of the brethren, with more presence of mind than the others, said to the Prophet, " Brother Joseph, we want you to clear us from blame, for we formed the ring by your request. You told us to wrestle, and now Brother Rigdon is bringing us to account for it." The Prophet walked into the ring and said, as he made a motion with his hand: " Brother Sidney, you had better go out of here and let the boys alone ; they are amusing themselves ac- cording to my orders. You are an old man. You go and get ready for meeting and let the boys alone." Just then catching Rigdon off his guard, as quick as a flash he knocked the sword fromRigdon's hand, then caught him by the shoulder, and said: ''Now, old man, you must go out, or I will throw you down." Rigdon was as large a man as the Prophet, but not so tall. The prospect of a tussel between the Prophet and the mouthpiece of the Prophet, was fun for all but Rigdon, who pulled back like a craw-fish, but the resistance was useless, the Prophet dragged him from the ring, bareheaded, and tore Rigdon's fine pulpit coat from the collar to the waist; then he turned to the men and said: " Go in, boys, and have your fun. 78 M0BM0NI8M UNVEILED, You shall never have it to say that I got you into any trouble that I did not get you out of." Rigdon complained about the loss of his hat and the tearing of his coat. The Prophet said to him : " You were out of your place. Always keep your place and you will not suffer; but you got a little out of your place and you have suffered for it. You have no one to blame but yourself." After that Rigdon never countermanded the orders of the Prophet, to my knowl- edge — he knew who was boss. An order had been issued by the Church authorities com- manding all of the members of the Mormon Church to leave their farms, and to take such property as they could remove, and go to one of the two fortified camps — that is Far West or Adam-on-Diamond. A large majority of the settlers obeyed, and the two camps were soon full of people who had deserted home again for the sake of the gospel. There was a settlement on Log Creek, between three and five miles east from Far West. It was quite a rich settlement. A man named Haughn had just completed a good flouring mill on the creek. The morning after the battle of Crooked River, Haughn came to Far West to consult with the Prophet concerning the policy of the removal of the settlers on Log Creek to the fortified camps. Col. White and myself were standing by when the Prophet said to him: "Move in, by all means, if j-ou wish to save youx lives." Haughn repUed that if tlie settlers left their homes all of their property would be lost, and the Oentiles would burn their houses and other buildings. Tlie Prophet said : " You had much better lose your property than your lives, one can be replaced, the other cannot be restored ; but there is no need of your losing either if you will only do as you are commanded." Haughn said that he considered the best plan was for all of the settlers to move into and around the mill, and use the blacksmith's shop and other buildings as a fort in case of attack ; in this way he thought they would be perfect- ly safe* " You are at liberty to do so if you think best," said the Prophet. Haughn then departed, well satisfied that he had carried his point. The Prophet turned to Col. White and said: "That man did not come for counsel, but to induce me to tell him to do as he pleased ; which I did. Had I commanded them to move in here and leave their property, they would have called me a tyrant. LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 79 I wish they were here for their own safety. I am confident that wc will soon learn that they have been butchered in a fearful manner." At this time the Missourians had determined to exterminate the whole of the Mormon people. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued orders to that effect. I think General Clark was the officer in command of all the Gentile forces. Gen. Atchison and Gen. Doniphan each commanded a division of from three to eight thousand men, and they soon besieged Far West. The Mor- mons fortified the town as well as they could, and took special oare to fortify and build shields and breastworks, to prevent the cavalry from charging into the town. The Gentile forces were mostly camped on Log Creek, between the town of Far West and Haughn's Mill, and about a mile from Far West, and about half a mile south of our outer breastworks. Our scouts and picket guards were driven in, and forced to join the main ranks for safety. The Mormon troops were placed in pooilion by the ofli- cers, so as to guard every point. Each man had a large supply of bullets, with the patching sewed on the balls to facilitate the loading of our guns, which were all muzzle loaders. The Mor- mon force was about eight hundred strong, poorly armed ; many of the men had no guns ; some had single-barrel pistols, and a few had home-made swords. These were all of our implements of war. So situated, we were still anxious to meet the enemy, and demanded to be led out against our foes. Our men were confident that God was going to deliver the enemy into our hands, and so we had no fears. I was one of the advance force, and as I lay behind some timber, with my cap-box open, and bul- lets lying on the ground by my side, I never had a doubt of beinaj able to defeat the Gentile army. The troops lay and watched each other two days, then the Gentiles made two efforts to force their way into the town by stratagem ; but seeing our forces in order, they did not come within range of our guns. The Mormons stood in the ranks, and prayed for the chance of getting a shot ; but all to no effect. The same evening we learned of the massacre at Haughn's Mill. The description of this mas- sacre was such as to freeze the blood of each ISaint, and force them to swear revenge should come some day. haughn's mill 3IASSACKE was reported about as follows to us at Far West. When the 80 2I0IiJI0XISJI UNVEILED. Gentile mob attacked the Mormons at the mill the Mor- mons took shelter in the blacksmith shop and other buildings. The mob took advantage of the banks of the creek and the tim- ber, and very nearly surrounded the shop, vrhich was built of logs, and served as a slaughter-house instead of a shelter or protection. The mob, while protected as they were, shot down the Mormons at their leisure. They killed eighteen and wound- ed as many more ; in fact they killed and wounded every one who did not run away during the fight and take refuge in the woods. After shooting down all that could be seen, the mob en- tered the blacksmith shop and there found a young lad who had secreted himself under the bellows. One of the men said, " Don't shoot; it is but a small boy." The reply was, " Nits will make lice ; it is best to save them when we can." Thus saying, they shot the little fellow where he lay. There was an old man in the settlement by the name of McBride, who had been a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war ; he was killed by being hacked to pieces with a corn-cutter while begging for his life. The dead and wounded were thrown into a well all together. Several of the wounded were afterwards taken out of the well by the force that went from Far West, and recovered from their wounds. So great was the hatred of the mob that they saved none, but killed all who fell into their hands at that time. I received my information of the massacre from David Lewis, Tarleton Lewis, William Laney and Isaac Laney ; they were Kentuckians, and were also in the fight, but escaped death. Isaac Laney was shot seven times, leaving thirteen ball holes in his person ; five of the shots were nearly in the centre of the chest; one entered under the right arm, passed through the body and came out under the left arm ; yet, strange as it ap- pears, he kept his feet, so he informed me, and ran some three hundred yards to a cabin, where a woman raised a loose plank of the cabin floor, and he laj^ down and she replaced the boards. The mob left, and in about two hours Laney was taken from under the cabin floor nearly lifeless. He was then washed, anointed with oil, the elders praying for his recovery, according to the order of the Holy Priesthood, and he was promised, through prayer and faith in God, speedy restoration. The pain at once left him, and for two weeks he felt no pain at all. He then took cold, and the wound in his hips pained him for some two hours, when the elders repeated their pra3^ers and again LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 81 anointed him, which had the effect desired. The pain left him, and never returned. I heard Laney declare this to be a fact, and he bore his testimony in the presence of many of the Saints. I eaw him four weeks after the massacre and examined his per- son. I saw the wounds, then healed. I felt of them with my own hands, and I saw the shirt and examined it, that he had on when he was shot, and it was cut in shreds. Many balls had cut his clothing, that had not touched his person. The massacre at Haughn's Mill was the result of the breth- ren's refusal to obey the wishes of the Prophet. All the breth- ren so considered it. It made a deep and lasting impression on my mind, for I had heard the Prophet give the counsel to the brethren to come into the town. They had refused, and the re- sult was a lesson to all that there was no safety except in obey- ing the Prophet. Col. George M. Hinkle had command of the troops at Far West, under Joseph Smith. He was from Kentucky, and was considered a fair weather Saint. When danger came he was certain to be on the strong side. He was a fine speaker, and had great influence with the Saints. Previous to the attack on Far West, Col. Hinkle had come to an understanding with the Gentile commanders that in case che danger grew great, they could depend on him as a friend and one through whom they could negotiate and learn the situa- tion of affairs in the camp of the Saints. When our scouts were first driven in Col. Hinkle was out with them, and when they were closely pursued he turned his coat wrong side oiit and wore it so. This was a pecuHar move, but at the time it did not cause much comment among his men, but they reported it to the Prophet, and he at once became suspicious of the Colonel. The Prophet, being a man of thought and cool reflection, kept this information within a small circle, as that was a bad time to ventilate an act of that kind. The Prophet concluded to make use of the knowledge he had gained of Hinkle' s charac- ter, and use him to negotiate between the two parties. I do not believe that Joseph Smith had the least idea that he, with his little handful of men, could stand off that army that had come up against him. I know that now, but at that time I was full of religious zeal and felt that the Mormon Hosts of Israel were invincible. Joseph wished to use Hinkle to learn the destiny of the Gentiles, so that he could prepare for the worst. Col. 6 82 MOBMONISM UNVEILED. Hinkle was sent out by Joseph to have an interview with the Gentiles. The Colonel returned and reported to Joseph Smith the terms proposed by the Gentile officers. The terms offered were as follows : Joseph Smith and the leading men of the Church, Rig- don, Lyman White, P. P. Pratt, Phelps and others, were to give themselves up without delay, the balance of the men to surrender themselves and their arms by ten o'clock the following day, the understanding being that all would be tried for treason against the Government, and for other offences. The Prophet took advantage of this information, and had every man that was in imminent danger, leave the camp for a place of safety. The most of those in danger went to Illinois. They left at once, and were safe from all pursuit before the surrender took place, as they traveled north and avoided all settlements. When the brethren had left for Illinois, as just stated, Joseph Smith called all of his remaining troops together, and told them they were a good lot of fellows, but they were not perfect enough to withstand so large an army as the one now before them, that they had stood by him, and were willing to die for and with him, for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, that he wished them to be comforted, for God had accepted their offer- ing, that he intended to, and was going to offer himself up as a sacrifice, to save their lives and to save the Church. He wished them all to be of good cheer, and pray for him, and to pray that he and the brethren that went with him might be de- livered from their enemies. He then blessed his people in the name of the Lord. After this, he and the leading men, six in num- ber went with him direct to the camp of the enemy. They were led b}^ a Judas, Col. G. M. Hinkle. I stood upon the breast- works and watched them go into the camp of the enemy. I heard the yells of triumph of the troops, as Joseph Smith and his companions entered. It was with great difficulty that the officers could restrain the mob from shooting them down as they entered. A strong guard was then placed over them to protect them from mob violence. The next morning a court martial was held, at which Joseph Smith and his six companions that had surrendered with him, were sentenced to be shot. The execution was to take place at eight o'clock the next morning. When the sentence of the court martial was announced to them, Col. Lyman White said, LIFE OF JOHN D. LEE. 83 "Shoot and bed — d." General Atchison and Col. Doniphan arrived with their divisions the same day, soon after tlie €0urt martial had been held. Col. Doniphan, in particular, remonstrated against the decision. He said it was nothing more or less than cold blooded murder, and that every name signed to the decision was signed in blood, and he would with- draw his troops and have nothing to do in the matter, if the men were to be shot. General Atchison sustained Col. Doni- phan, and said the wiser policy would be, in as much as they had surrendered themselves as prisoners, to place them in the Kichmond jail, and let them take the due course of the law; let them be tried by the civil authorities of the land. In this way Justice could be reached and parties could be punished accord- ing to law, and thus save the honor of the troops and the nation. This timely interposition and wise course on the part of Col. Doniphan and General Atchison, changed the course and pre- vented the hasty action of an infuriated mob, calling itself a