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Discourse, 6 August 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards

Source Note

JS, Discourse, [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, Hancock Co., IL, 6 Aug. 1843]. Featured version copied [ca. 6 Aug. 1843] in JS, Journal, Dec. 1842–June 1844, bk. 3, pp. [32]–[36]; handwriting of
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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; JS Collection, CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for JS, Journal, 1842–1844.

Historical Introduction

On 6 August 1843, in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, JS preached a sermon regarding the upcoming
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

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congressional election. In March 1843, the Illinois legislature had redrawn the boundaries of the state’s congressional districts, and the
Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

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in
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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made up a significant portion of the newly created sixth district. In response, both the Whigs and the Democrats sought to curry favor with the Saints. In previous Illinois state elections, the Whigs actively campaigned against the church, and the Saints reliably voted for the Democrats. However, the Whigs ceased their public attacks against the church in the months leading up to the 1843 election and, in an apparent attempt to court the Saints’ vote, nominated JS’s friend and attorney
Cyrus Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

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to run in the sixth congressional district.
1

Elihu B. Washburne, Statement, 18 Feb. 1886, pp. 1–2, typescript, Collection of Manuscripts about Mormons, 1832–1954, Chicago History Museum; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 290–291; Ford, History of Illinois, 314, 317–319.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Manuscripts about Mormons at Chicago History Museum, Research Center, ca. 1832–1954. Microfilm. Chicago Historical Society.

Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

At some point prior to the election—likely around the time of Walker’s nomination—JS pledged his vote to Walker.
2

The account of this event in JS’s history compiled in 1855 claims that JS pledged his vote for Walker in exchange for Walker’s legal services after JS’s June 1843 arrest in northern Illinois, but other accounts, including the featured 6 August 1843 discourse, suggest that JS pledged his vote to Walker either in person or by letter around the time of Walker’s May 1843 nomination to office. (JS History, vol. D-1, 1584; Vogel, History of Joseph Smith, 1:xcix; Hawkins Taylor, 23 Dec. 1875, Letter to the Editor, Carthage [IL] Gazette, 5 Jan. 1876, [1]; History of McDonough County, Illinois, 389; “The Federal Whig Conspiracy to Obtain the Mormon Votes for Browning and Walker.—Unexampled Villany,” Illinois State Register [Springfield], 7 July 1843, [2]; “Dr. Wyl and Dr. Wm. Law,” Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 31 July 1887, [6]; Hedges, “Extradition, the Mormons, and the Election of 1843,” 131–135.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Vogel, Dan, ed. History of Joseph Smith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Source and Text-Critical Edition. 8 vols. Salt Lake City: Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2015.

Carthage Gazette. Carthage, IL. 1865–1928.

History of McDonough County, Illinois. Springfield, IL: Continental Historical Co., 1885.

Illinois State Register. Springfield, IL. 1839–1861.

Salt Lake Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City. 1871–.

Hedges, Andrew H. “Extradition, the Mormons, and the Election of 1843.” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society 109, no. 2 (Summer 2016): 127–147.

JS’s relationship with
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

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was further strengthened following the June 1843 attempt to extradite JS to
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. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
. In June 1843, a grand jury in
Daviess County

Area in northwest Missouri settled by European Americans, 1830. Sparsely inhabited until 1838. Created from Ray Co., Dec. 1836, in attempt to resolve conflicts related to Latter-day Saint settlement in that region. County is transected diagonally from northwest...

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, Missouri, indicted JS for treason for his role in the 1838 conflicts between Latter-day Saints and their opponents in that state.
3

Indictment, Daviess Co., MO, [5] June 1843, State of Missouri v. JS for Treason (Daviess Co. Cir. Ct. 1843), Western Americana Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT.


On 13 June, Missouri governor
Thomas Reynolds

12 Mar. 1796–9 Feb. 1844. Attorney, politician, judge. Born at Mason Co. (later Bracken Co.), Kentucky. Son of Nathaniel Reynolds and Catherine Vernon. Admitted to Kentucky bar, 1817. Moved to Illinois, by 1818. Served as clerk of Illinois House of Representatives...

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issued a requisition to
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
state officials demanding that the state apprehend JS and turn him over to
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

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, Missouri, sheriff
Joseph H. Reynolds

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

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for extradition to Missouri. Four days later, Illinois governor
Thomas Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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issued a warrant for JS’s arrest to
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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, Illinois, constable
Harmon T. Wilson

1 Feb. 1815–27 June 1851. Merchant, deputy sheriff. Born in Montgomery Co., Virginia. Son of John Wilson and Elizabeth Cummins. Moved to Christianburg, Montgomery Co., by 7 Aug. 1820; to Newbern, Montgomery Co., by June 1830; and to Hancock Co., Illinois,...

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.
4

“Part 4: June–July 1843.”


On 23 June, Reynolds and Wilson arrested JS near
Dixon

Post village in northwestern Illinois, located on Rock River. Area settled and ferry established, spring 1828. Post office established, 1829. John Dixon settled in area with family, 11 Apr. 1830, and purchased ferry. Fort built in area during Black Hawk War...

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, Illinois, while he and his family were visiting
Emma Smith

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

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’s sister Elizabeth Hale Wasson.
5

JS, Journal, 23 June 1843; Clayton, Journal, 23 June 1843; Chase, “Township of Amboy,” 57–58.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

Chase, D. G. “Township of Amboy.” In Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee County, [edited by Seraphina Gardner Smith], 9–157. Dixon, IL: Inez A. Kennedy, 1893.

Shortly after his arrest, JS retained
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
,
Edward Southwick

10 Aug. 1812–26 Nov. 1857. Lawyer. Born in Troy, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of Edward Southwick and Catherine Wilkinson. Studied law in Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York. Admitted to New York bar, 1836. Moved to Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, fall 1836. Admitted...

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, and
Shepherd Patrick

28 Mar. 1815–2 Oct. 1877. Lawyer, farmer. Born in Wysox, Bradford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Shepard Patrick and Catherine Goodwin. Admitted to bar, 1841, in Bradford Co. Practiced law in Dixon, Lee Co., Illinois, by early 1840s. Served as legal counsel for...

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as legal counsel.
6

JS, Journal, 30 June 1843; [Edward Southwick], “Statement,” Warsaw (IL) Message, Extra, 12 July 1843, [1].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

In order to prevent JS from being immediately conveyed to
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. Latter-day Saint ...

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, JS and his legal advisers petitioned for and procured a writ of
habeas corpus

“Have the body”; a written order from a court of competent jurisdiction commanding anyone having a person in custody to produce such person at a certain time and place and to state the reasons why he or she is being held in custody. The court will determine...

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from
Lee County

Located in north-central Illinois, with part of northern county boundary formed by Rock River. Fertile agricultural area. French trappers frequented area, by 1780. Second Black Hawk campaign fought in area, 1832. Illinois Central Railroad construction began...

More Info
, Illinois, officials.
7

Clayton, Journal, 23 June 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

After discovering that the local circuit court judge was out of town, JS, his attorneys,
Reynolds

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

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, and others made their way south toward
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
, Illinois, reportedly to find
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
circuit court judge
Richard M. Young

20 Feb. 1798–28 Nov. 1861. Attorney, judge, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to Jonesboro, Union Co., Illinois Territory. Admitted to Illinois bar, 1817, in Jonesboro. Served as state representative from Union Co., 1820–1822. Married Matilda...

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. On 27 June, men from
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
intercepted the convoy and escorted the party into
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
.
8

[Edward Southwick], “Statement,” Warsaw (IL) Message, Extra, 12 July 1843, [1]; Clayton, Journal, 30 June 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

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

Once there, JS obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the municipal court.
9

Petition to Nauvoo Municipal Court, 30 June 1843; Habeas Corpus, 30 June 1843, Extradition of JS for Treason (Nauvoo Mun. Ct. 1843), copy, JS Collection, CHL.


In a discourse delivered in the
grove

Before partial completion of Nauvoo temple, all large meetings were held outdoors in groves located near east and west sides of temple site. Had portable stands for speakers. JS referred to area as “temple stand” due to its location on brow of hill.

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near the
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

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construction site that night, JS recounted the basic details of his capture and defended the city’s right, as stipulated in the Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo (commonly known as the Nauvoo charter), to issue writs of habeas corpus.
10

Woodruff, Journal, 30 June 1843; Clayton, Journal, 30 June 1843; Discourse, 30 June 1843; Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

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

The Nauvoo Municipal Court held a hearing on 1 July, ruling that JS be discharged from arrest “for want of substance in the warrant upon which he was arrested as well as upon the merits of said case.”
11

Minutes, 1 July 1843, Extradition of JS for Treason (Nauvoo Mun. Ct. 1843), JS Collection, CHL.


JS and the Saints were initially furious that
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
governor
Thomas Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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, a Democrat whom they considered a political ally, allowed the extradition attempt to proceed.
12

In a private conversation with Walker and his other attorneys on the case, JS prophesied “in the name of the Lord God that Governor [Thomas] ford by granting the writ— again[s]t me. has damned himself politically and eternally.” In a public discourse on 4 July 1843, JS complained that this was the second extradition request by Missouri that Ford had complied with and that these had caused him “much trouble & expense.” (JS, Journal, 30 June 1843; Discourse, 4 July 1843; see also “Missouri vs Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1843, 4:243; and Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

To defend Ford and win back the Saints’ vote, Democrats alleged that
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

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and other Whig politicians colluded with
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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and other Whigs 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. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
to stage the extradition attempt.
13

“The Federal Whig Conspiracy to Obtain the Mormon Votes for Browning and Walker.—Unexampled Villany,” Illinois State Register (Springfield), 7 July 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Illinois State Register. Springfield, IL. 1839–1861.

Whigs denounced such claims as base lies told to convince the Saints to vote for the Democrats.
14

“The State Register and the Mormons,” Quincy (IL) Whig, 28 June 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

They also claimed that Ford was holding the threat of extradition over JS’s head as leverage to secure the Saints’ vote.
15

See, for example, Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.


However, some Whigs disapproved of Walker’s legal defense of and friendship with JS and withdrew their support from him.
16

See, for example, Letter to Thomas Ford, 21 Aug. 1843.


Still, knowing the importance of the Latter-day Saint vote in the district, both Walker and Democratic candidate
Joseph P. Hoge

15 Dec. 1810–14 Aug. 1891. Lawyer, judge, politician. Born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Son of David Hoge and Jane Scott. Graduated from Jefferson College, in Washington, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Admitted to Ohio bar, 1836. Moved to Galena, ...

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continued to campaign in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, giving political speeches and holding debates in the city on 29 July and 1 August.
17

“To the Editor of the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2]; JS, Journal, 1 Aug. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

Although JS privately promised to vote for
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

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, he and the Saints appear to have publicly maintained a position of neutrality between the two candidates. The Nauvoo Neighbor published letters to the editor in favor of both candidates but cautioned the Saints to unite behind a single candidate to preserve the political leverage of their votes.
18

Editorial, Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

On 1 August, just six days before the election, JS received a letter from
Mason Brayman

23 May 1813–27 Feb. 1895. Farmer, lawyer, printer, editor, soldier, railroad developer, politician. Born in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York. Son of Daniel Brayman and Anna English. Prominent Baptist layman and temperance crusader. Edited Buffalo Bulletin, 1834...

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, whom
Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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had earlier sent as a “special agent” to investigate the facts surrounding the extradition attempt and subsequent hearing in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
.
19

JS, Journal, 1 Aug. 1843; Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; “Illinois and Missouri,” Times and Seasons, 15 Aug. 1843, 4:292; Thomas Ford, Springfield, IL, to Mason Brayman, 3 July 1843, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Historical Introduction to Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

Brayman reassured JS of Ford’s good feelings toward him and the Saints. According to Brayman, Ford had reluctantly issued the writ to arrest JS out of his duty to the law, and after receiving affidavits from JS and others, he would issue no further writs to extradite JS. Brayman further assured JS of Ford’s continued protection regardless of whom the Saints voted for.
20

Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.


The letter appears to have softened JS’s and other church leaders’ negative attitudes toward Ford and may have changed their political strategy.
On 2 August, an editorial in the Nauvoo Neighbor promised that
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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would address the Saints three days later regarding the election.
21

Editorial, Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

At the 5 August meeting, Hyrum Smith endorsed
Hoge

15 Dec. 1810–14 Aug. 1891. Lawyer, judge, politician. Born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Son of David Hoge and Jane Scott. Graduated from Jefferson College, in Washington, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Admitted to Ohio bar, 1836. Moved to Galena, ...

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and encouraged the Saints to do likewise.
William Law

8 Sept. 1809–12/19 Jan. 1892. Merchant, millwright, physician. Born in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co...

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, the second counselor in the
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

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, objected from the stand to Hyrum Smith’s pronouncement, reminded the audience of
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
’s support for JS and the Saints, and cited JS’s pledge to vote for Walker—which was apparently not public knowledge. Law evidently suggested that JS’s views should overrule Hyrum Smith’s, given JS’s senior church leadership position. In response to Law’s statements, Hyrum Smith announced that he had received a revelation that the Saints should support Hoge and the Democrats.
22

Ford, History of Illinois, 318–319; “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2]; “Dr. Wyl and Dr. Wm. Law,” Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 31 July 1887, [6]; see also JS, Journal, 5 Aug. 1843; and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

Salt Lake Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City. 1871–.

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

An anonymous observer noted that Hyrum Smith’s remarks were “a death-blow” to Walker’s election.
23

“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

Adding weight to his remarks, just a few weeks earlier JS publicly announced that Hyrum Smith would take on greater prophetic responsibility over the church. Some cynical
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
residents saw this announcement and Hyrum Smith’s subsequent discourse as a “political ruse” to swing the Latter-day Saint vote from Walker to Hoge.
24

JS, Journal, 16 July 1843; Discourse, 23 July 1843; Charlotte Haven, Nauvoo, IL, to “My Dear Friends at Home,” 8 Sept. 1843, in “Girl’s Letters from Nauvoo,” 635–636.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Haven, Charlotte. “A Girl’s Letters from Nauvoo.” Overland Monthly 16, no. 96 (Dec. 1890): 616–638.

The public disagreement between Law and Hyrum Smith threatened to spoil the unified front church leaders promoted in the Nauvoo Neighbor.
The next day, the Saints held their regular Sunday worship service. Following an opening prayer by
Zebedee Coltrin

7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan...

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and a sermon on the subject of testimony by
Parley P. Pratt

12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823....

View Full Bio
, JS addressed the Saints.
25

JS, Journal, 6 Aug. 1843; Levi Richards, Journal, 6 Aug. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Richards, Levi. Journals, 1840–1853. Levi Richards, Papers, 1837–1867. CHL. MS 1284, box 1.

JS discussed his relationship with
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
and confirmed his earlier pledge to vote for him. However, JS also stated he did not want his name used for electioneering purposes and endorsed
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

View Full Bio
’s revelation that church members should vote for
Hoge

15 Dec. 1810–14 Aug. 1891. Lawyer, judge, politician. Born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Son of David Hoge and Jane Scott. Graduated from Jefferson College, in Washington, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Admitted to Ohio bar, 1836. Moved to Galena, ...

View Full Bio
. JS recanted his earlier complaints about
Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
’s actions and acknowledged Ford as a “personal friend.” At the close of his discourse, JS responded to Pratt’s sermon and gave some remarks on the relationship between evidence and faith.
At least two
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
residents recorded accounts of JS’s 6 August discourse.
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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took detailed notes in JS’s journal entry for that date, and after the election on 7 August, an anonymous Nauvoo resident provided a version of the discourse to the editor of the New-York Daily Tribune. This anonymous author, referred to only as “K.” in the newspaper, was apparently a Latter-day Saint supporter of
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
living in Nauvoo. He was possibly the same individual who earlier wrote a letter to the Nauvoo Neighbor in support of Walker’s election under the initials “A. K.”
26

“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2]; “Cyrus Walker,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

The 7 August letter to the Tribune discussed the election results and included a brief account of JS’s discourse the day before.
27

In contrast to other descriptions of the election, the account by “K.” did not blame JS or the church for Walker’s electoral defeat. Most notably, the author softened Hyrum Smith’s revelatory claims and did not report on JS’s. (“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune [New York City], 24 Aug. 1843, [2].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

The letter was published in the 24 August edition of the Tribune, from which the second featured version is excerpted.
28

“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

On 7 August, JS rode to the polls with
Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
in his carriage and fulfilled his promise to vote for him.
29

“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

The Latter-day Saints voted overwhelmingly for
Hoge

15 Dec. 1810–14 Aug. 1891. Lawyer, judge, politician. Born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Son of David Hoge and Jane Scott. Graduated from Jefferson College, in Washington, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Admitted to Ohio bar, 1836. Moved to Galena, ...

View Full Bio
, who won the vote in
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 ...

More Info
—2,088 to 733—and carried the district as well.
30

Pease, Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848, 140.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pease, Theodore Calvin, ed. Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923.

The results infuriated Whigs in Hancock and surrounding counties, with local Whigs complaining that they lost only because a “Revelation from Heaven, prompted and brought about by Locofoco tactics, turned a majority against us.”
31

“The Ottawa Free Trader,” Warsaw (IL) Message, 6 Sept. 1843, [2], italics in original. “Locofoco” was a nickname for Democrats. (Howe, What Hath God Wrought, 546.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

Howe, Daniel Walker. What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815–1848. The Oxford History of the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

The leading state Whig newspaper, the Sangamo Journal, similarly noted that “it required a revelation from Heaven! to make the Mormons accede to the wishes of
Governor Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
.”
32

“The Late Election,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 7 Sept. 1843, [2], italics in original.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

Ultimately, JS’s and
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

View Full Bio
’s discourses and the subsequent election led to a considerable increase in negative sentiment toward the Saints in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
.
33

In his history of Illinois, published posthumously in 1854, Thomas Ford identified the August 1843 election as a major turning point for the Saints in Illinois and claimed that following the election “the whigs generally, and a part of the democrats, determined upon driving the Mormons out of the State.” (Ford, History of Illinois, 319.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Elihu B. Washburne, Statement, 18 Feb. 1886, pp. 1–2, typescript, Collection of Manuscripts about Mormons, 1832–1954, Chicago History Museum; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 290–291; Ford, History of Illinois, 314, 317–319.

    Manuscripts about Mormons at Chicago History Museum, Research Center, ca. 1832–1954. Microfilm. Chicago Historical Society.

    Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

    Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

  2. [2]

    The account of this event in JS’s history compiled in 1855 claims that JS pledged his vote for Walker in exchange for Walker’s legal services after JS’s June 1843 arrest in northern Illinois, but other accounts, including the featured 6 August 1843 discourse, suggest that JS pledged his vote to Walker either in person or by letter around the time of Walker’s May 1843 nomination to office. (JS History, vol. D-1, 1584; Vogel, History of Joseph Smith, 1:xcix; Hawkins Taylor, 23 Dec. 1875, Letter to the Editor, Carthage [IL] Gazette, 5 Jan. 1876, [1]; History of McDonough County, Illinois, 389; “The Federal Whig Conspiracy to Obtain the Mormon Votes for Browning and Walker.—Unexampled Villany,” Illinois State Register [Springfield], 7 July 1843, [2]; “Dr. Wyl and Dr. Wm. Law,” Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 31 July 1887, [6]; Hedges, “Extradition, the Mormons, and the Election of 1843,” 131–135.)

    Vogel, Dan, ed. History of Joseph Smith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Source and Text-Critical Edition. 8 vols. Salt Lake City: Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2015.

    Carthage Gazette. Carthage, IL. 1865–1928.

    History of McDonough County, Illinois. Springfield, IL: Continental Historical Co., 1885.

    Illinois State Register. Springfield, IL. 1839–1861.

    Salt Lake Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City. 1871–.

    Hedges, Andrew H. “Extradition, the Mormons, and the Election of 1843.” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society 109, no. 2 (Summer 2016): 127–147.

  3. [3]

    Indictment, Daviess Co., MO, [5] June 1843, State of Missouri v. JS for Treason (Daviess Co. Cir. Ct. 1843), Western Americana Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT.

  4. [4]

    “Part 4: June–July 1843.”

  5. [5]

    JS, Journal, 23 June 1843; Clayton, Journal, 23 June 1843; Chase, “Township of Amboy,” 57–58.

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

    Chase, D. G. “Township of Amboy.” In Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee County, [edited by Seraphina Gardner Smith], 9–157. Dixon, IL: Inez A. Kennedy, 1893.

  6. [6]

    JS, Journal, 30 June 1843; [Edward Southwick], “Statement,” Warsaw (IL) Message, Extra, 12 July 1843, [1].

    Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

  7. [7]

    Clayton, Journal, 23 June 1843.

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

  8. [8]

    [Edward Southwick], “Statement,” Warsaw (IL) Message, Extra, 12 July 1843, [1]; Clayton, Journal, 30 June 1843.

    Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

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

  9. [9]

    Petition to Nauvoo Municipal Court, 30 June 1843; Habeas Corpus, 30 June 1843, Extradition of JS for Treason (Nauvoo Mun. Ct. 1843), copy, JS Collection, CHL.

  10. [10]

    Woodruff, Journal, 30 June 1843; Clayton, Journal, 30 June 1843; Discourse, 30 June 1843; Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

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

  11. [11]

    Minutes, 1 July 1843, Extradition of JS for Treason (Nauvoo Mun. Ct. 1843), JS Collection, CHL.

  12. [12]

    In a private conversation with Walker and his other attorneys on the case, JS prophesied “in the name of the Lord God that Governor [Thomas] ford by granting the writ— again[s]t me. has damned himself politically and eternally.” In a public discourse on 4 July 1843, JS complained that this was the second extradition request by Missouri that Ford had complied with and that these had caused him “much trouble & expense.” (JS, Journal, 30 June 1843; Discourse, 4 July 1843; see also “Missouri vs Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1843, 4:243; and Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  13. [13]

    “The Federal Whig Conspiracy to Obtain the Mormon Votes for Browning and Walker.—Unexampled Villany,” Illinois State Register (Springfield), 7 July 1843, [2].

    Illinois State Register. Springfield, IL. 1839–1861.

  14. [14]

    “The State Register and the Mormons,” Quincy (IL) Whig, 28 June 1843, [2].

    Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

  15. [15]

    See, for example, Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.

  16. [16]

    See, for example, Letter to Thomas Ford, 21 Aug. 1843.

  17. [17]

    “To the Editor of the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2]; JS, Journal, 1 Aug. 1843.

    Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

  18. [18]

    Editorial, Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].

    Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

  19. [19]

    JS, Journal, 1 Aug. 1843; Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; “Illinois and Missouri,” Times and Seasons, 15 Aug. 1843, 4:292; Thomas Ford, Springfield, IL, to Mason Brayman, 3 July 1843, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Historical Introduction to Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  20. [20]

    Letter from Mason Brayman, 29 July 1843.

  21. [21]

    Editorial, Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].

    Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

  22. [22]

    Ford, History of Illinois, 318–319; “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2]; “Dr. Wyl and Dr. Wm. Law,” Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 31 July 1887, [6]; see also JS, Journal, 5 Aug. 1843; and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.

    Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

    Salt Lake Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City. 1871–.

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

  23. [23]

    “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

  24. [24]

    JS, Journal, 16 July 1843; Discourse, 23 July 1843; Charlotte Haven, Nauvoo, IL, to “My Dear Friends at Home,” 8 Sept. 1843, in “Girl’s Letters from Nauvoo,” 635–636.

    Haven, Charlotte. “A Girl’s Letters from Nauvoo.” Overland Monthly 16, no. 96 (Dec. 1890): 616–638.

  25. [25]

    JS, Journal, 6 Aug. 1843; Levi Richards, Journal, 6 Aug. 1843.

    Richards, Levi. Journals, 1840–1853. Levi Richards, Papers, 1837–1867. CHL. MS 1284, box 1.

  26. [26]

    “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2]; “Cyrus Walker,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 2 Aug. 1843, [2].

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

    Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

  27. [27]

    In contrast to other descriptions of the election, the account by “K.” did not blame JS or the church for Walker’s electoral defeat. Most notably, the author softened Hyrum Smith’s revelatory claims and did not report on JS’s. (“The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune [New York City], 24 Aug. 1843, [2].)

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

  28. [28]

    “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

  29. [29]

    “The Vote of the Mormons—Hoge Elected,” New-York Daily Tribune (New York City), 24 Aug. 1843, [2].

    New-York Daily Tribune. New York City. 1841–1924.

  30. [30]

    Pease, Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848, 140.

    Pease, Theodore Calvin, ed. Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923.

  31. [31]

    “The Ottawa Free Trader,” Warsaw (IL) Message, 6 Sept. 1843, [2], italics in original. “Locofoco” was a nickname for Democrats. (Howe, What Hath God Wrought, 546.)

    Warsaw Message. Warsaw, IL. 1843–1844.

    Howe, Daniel Walker. What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815–1848. The Oxford History of the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

  32. [32]

    “The Late Election,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 7 Sept. 1843, [2], italics in original.

    Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

  33. [33]

    In his history of Illinois, published posthumously in 1854, Thomas Ford identified the August 1843 election as a major turning point for the Saints in Illinois and claimed that following the election “the whigs generally, and a part of the democrats, determined upon driving the Mormons out of the State.” (Ford, History of Illinois, 319.)

    Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Discourse, 6 August 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 3, 15 July 1843–29 February 1844 *Discourse, 6 August 1843, as Reported by “K” History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page [33]

stand on his own merits. the Lord has not given me Revelati[o]n conc[e]rning politics.— I have not asked the Lord for it.—
3

In a summary of JS’s discourse included in a letter to Brigham Young, Willard Richards wrote that JS stated that “for his part he never had a revelation about Such things, never asked god for a revelation on such matters.” (Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

I am a third party stand independnt and alone—
4

In a January 1843 letter to the editor of the Wasp, JS declared that his “feelings revolt at the idea of having any thing to do with politics” and stated that he wished “to be let alone, that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church.” (Letter to Editor, 23 Jan. 1843.)


I desire to see all parties protected in their rights.— as I have to save in relation to
Mr [Cyrus] Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
. he is a whig candidate a high minded man.
Mr Walker

6 May 1791–Dec. 1875. Lawyer. Born in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. Son of Alexander Walker and Mary Magdalene Hammond. Presbyterian. Moved to Adair Co., Kentucky, ca. 1794. Lived in Columbia, Adair Co., by 1810. Married Flora Montgomery, 30 Jan. 1817, in Adair...

View Full Bio
has not hung on to my coat tail to gain his electi[o]n as some have said. I am going to give a testimony but not for electioneering p◊◊◊p◊◊ri◊s [purposes?].— [p. [33]]
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Page [33]

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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Discourse, 6 August 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards
ID #
1130
Total Pages
5
Print Volume Location
JSP, D13:24–26
Handwriting on This Page
  • Willard Richards

Footnotes

  1. [3]

    In a summary of JS’s discourse included in a letter to Brigham Young, Willard Richards wrote that JS stated that “for his part he never had a revelation about Such things, never asked god for a revelation on such matters.” (Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, New York City, NY, 28 Aug. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

  2. [4]

    In a January 1843 letter to the editor of the Wasp, JS declared that his “feelings revolt at the idea of having any thing to do with politics” and stated that he wished “to be let alone, that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church.” (Letter to Editor, 23 Jan. 1843.)

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