Letter from William W. Phelps, 27 February 1834, as Published in Evening and Morning Star
Source Note
, Letter, Clay Co., MO, to “Dear Brethren” (including JS), [Kirtland Township, Geauga Co., OH], 27 Feb. 1834. Version published in “The Outrage in Jackson County, Missouri,” Evening and Morning Star, Mar. 1834 (Aug. 1836), 276–277. The copy used for transcription is held at CHL.
with Zenophon’s retreat of the ten thousand.— Thus ends all hopes of “redress,” even with a guard ordered by the , for the p[r]otection of the court and witnesses.
Before a crop is harvested, it becomes ripe of itself. The dreadful deeds now done in , with impunity, must bring matters to a focus shortly. Within two or three weeks past, some of the most savage acts, ever witnessed, have been committed by these bitter branches. Old father Linsey, whose locks have been whitened by the blasts of nearly seventy winters, had his house thrown down, after he was driven from it; his goods, corn, &c. piled together, and fire put to it, but fortunately, after the mob retired, his son extinguished it.
The mob has quit whipping, and now beat with clubs. one of the number that returned from , had two chairs broke to splinters about him, and was then dragged out of doors and beat with clubs till he was supposed to be dead—but he is yet alive. Josiah Sunmer and were severely beat at the same time. The mob have commenced burning houses, stacks, &c. and we shall not think it out of their power, by any means, to proceed to murder any of our people that shall try to live in that caunty [county], or perhaps, only go there.
Such scenes as are transpiring around us, are calcuiated [calculated] to arouse feelings, and passions in all, and to strengthen the faith and fortify the hearts of the saints for great things. Our Savior laid down his life for our sakes, and shall we, who profess to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God; shall we, the servants of the Lord of the vineyard, who are called and chosen to prune it for the last time; shall we, yea, verily, we, who are enlightened by the wisdom of heaven, shall we fear to do as much for Jesus as he did for us. No; we will obey the voice of the Spirit, that good may overcome the world.