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John Taylor, Martyrdom Account
Source Note
Source Note
, martyrdom account; handwriting of ; 67 pages; CHL.
For more information on the History Drafts, see Introduction to History Drafts, 1844–1856.
<The Story of Carthage jail.>
Branch Mills, Westport, Conn.
August 23, 1856.
Being requested by and , Church Historians, to write an account of events that transpired before and led to the Martyrdom of Joseph & , in Jail <Gaol> in State of Illinois, I write the following <principally> from memory not having access to any documents relating <further than a few desultory items contained in “Fords History of Illinois.”> thereunto. I am afraid that in consequence of the length of time which has transpired since that event it will be very imperfect. I do not profess to give details but confine myself to general items, with the exception of a few dates and short notes furnished by the Historian. & a little assistance <from whose excellent memory & judgment I had to draw upon in several critical cases>
In the year A.D. 1844, a very great excitement prevailed in some parts of the Counties of , and Brown <and other neighboring counties,> in relation to the Mormons, and a spirit of vindictive hatred & persecution was exhibited, among the people; which was manifested in the most bitter and acrimonious language, as well as by acts of hostility and violence; frequently threatening the destruction of the citizens of and vicinity and utter anihilation of the Mormons and Mormonism; and in some instances breaking out in the most violent acts of ruffianly barbarity; persons were kidnapped, whipped, prosecuted and falsely accused of various crimes, their cattle or horses injured, destroyed or stolen; vexatious prosecutions were instituted to vex, harrass and annoy. In some remote neighborhoods they were expelled their homes without redress, and in others violence was [p. [1]]
Document Information
Document Information
Footnotes
Footnotes
Insertion in unidentified handwriting.
John Taylor handwriting begins.