This letter, dated 22 October 1845 from Palmyra, Missouri, was read in a meeting of the Twelve Apostles and others on 29 October 1845. The author stated that he was a member of a group that included prominent citizens from Kentucky who intended to settle in San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Valley in California, which they planned to make part of the United States. “Backwoodsman” argued that the Mormons could not peaceably coexist with other settlers in California since their claim to be “the Lords chosen people” and to “have a right to every thing” they needed was “incompatible with civil government, and the rights of others, and will not be tolerated.” The author proposed that the Mormons settle in uninhabited areas at the mouth of the Colorado River and assist other American settlers in California in rebelling against Mexican rule. William Clayton recorded, “His letter was principally made up of slander and abuse and the council considered it to[o] contemptible to answer.” (Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1838–ca. 1882, vol. 14, pp. 236–244, underlining in original; Clayton, Journal, 29 Oct. 1845.)

Historian’s Office. History of the Church, 1838–ca. 1882. 69 vols. CHL. Volumes 1–12 (labeled A-1–F-1, C-1 addenda, and A-2–E-2) are designated herein as “JS History.” See JS History.

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.