“November 6, 1833.

Dear brethren,—Since I last wrote we have had horrible times. When  I returned from——behold the enemy had suddenly come upon our breth ren above Blue, and had thrown down 10 or 12 houses, and nearly whipped  some to death, among whom was H[iram] Page.—This was done on Thursday  night.—On Tuesday night they commenced in Independence; broke all the  windows of the brethren’s houses in; broke open the doors of bro. [Sidney] Gilbert’s  store, strewed the goods in the streets. Saturday night they fell upon the  brethren at the Blue—nearly beat one to death! but one of Manship’s sons  was dangerously wounded with a rifle ball, they fled. On Monday about sun  set. a regular action was fought above Blue; we had 4 wounded—They  had 5 wounded and killed; among the latter were Mr. [Hugh] Breazeal and Mr.  Linville. From Friday till Tuesday after noon our brethren were under  arms. On Tuesday the mob had about three hundred collected—Before  any blood was shed we agreed to go away immediately.

It is a horrid time, men, women and children are fleeing, or preparing to,  in all directions, almost—We mean to try to settle in Van Buren county if  possible, God only knows our lot.

Yours &c.

November 7, 1833.

Since I wrote yesterday morning, another horrid scene has transpired.— After our people agreed to leave the county and were dispersed from each  other in a measure, a party of the mob went to the Blue, and began to whip,  and, as I heard late last night, murder!

All hopes of going to the south was given up last night, when it was re solved that we should be driven forthwith into Clay county. The brethren  have been driven into the woods, and God only knows what will become  of them. Women and children are flocking to Everett’s and Hancock’s  Ferry. Our families will have to take the ground for a floor to-night if  they get down in season to cross the Missouri. Yours in affliction, &c. [p. 119]