<​January 29.​> I have no power to do these things. The absurd and preposterous nature of these requests give some color to the charge that they are made for political effect only. I hope that this charge is untrue: for in all candor, it would be more credible <​creditable​> to those concerned to have their errors attributed to ignorance, than to a disposition to embroil the country in the horrors of war for the advancement of party ends. But if there should be any truth in the charge, (which God forbid) I affectionately entreat all the good citizens engaged in it, to lay aside their designs, and yield up their ears to the voice of justice, reason, and humanity. All that I can do at present, is to admonish both parties to beware of carrying matters to extremity. Let it come to this: let a state of war ensue, and I will be compelled to interfere with executive power. In that case also, I wish in a friendly, affectionate, and candid manner, to tell the citizens of , Mormons and all, that my interference will be against those who shall be the first transgressors. I am bound by the laws and the constitution to regard you all as citizens of the , possessed of equal rights and privileges; and to cherish the rights of one as dearly as the rights of another. I can know no distinction among you except that of assailant and assailed.