Letter from John C. Bennett, 27 July 1840

with my present views and feelings than with  any other. I hope that time will soon come  when your people will become my people and  your God my God. At the time of your peril  and bitter persecution in Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Mormon missionaries...

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you are aware  I proffered you my utmost energies, and had  not the conflict have terminated so speedily  I should have been with you then. God be  thanked for your rescue from the hands of a savage,  but cowardly foe! I do not expect to resign my  office of “Quarter Master General of the State of  Illinois,” in the event of my removal to Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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,  unless you advise otherwise: I shall likewise exp ect to practice my profession; but at the same  time your people shall have all the benefit of  my speaking powers and my untiring energies in  behalf of the good and holy faith. In necissariis  unitas, in non necessariis libertas, in omnibus  charitas, shall be my motto, with the suaviter in  modo fortiter in re. Be so good as to inform me  circumstantially of the population of Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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&  Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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, the face of the country, climate,  soil, health etc etc. How many of your people  are concentrated there? Please to write me  in full immediately. Louisville paper will  accompany this— please inquire for this it.