Letter from William W. Phelps, 6–7 November 1833, as Published in Evening and Morning Star
Source Note
[], Letter, [, MO], to “Dear brethren” (including JS), [, Geauga Co., OH], 6–7 Nov. 1833. Version published in “The Outrage in Jackson County,” Evening and Morning Star, Dec. 1833 (July 1836); p. 237. The copy used for transcription is held at CHL.
Dear brethren,— Since I last wrote we have had horrible times. When I from—— behold the enemy had suddenly come upon our brethren above Blue, and had thrown down 10 or 12 houses, and nearly whipped some to death, among whom was — This was done on Thursday night.— On Tuesday night they commenced in ; broke all the windows of the brethren’s houses in; broke open the doors of bro. ’s , strewed the goods in the streets. Saturday night they fell upon the brethren at the Blue— nearly beat one to death! but one of Manship’s sons was dangerously wounded with a rifle ball, they fled. On Monday about sunset, a regular action was fought above Blue; we had four wounded— They had five wounded and killed; among the latter were Mr. and Mr. . From Friday till Tuesday afternoon, our brethren were under arms. On Tuesday the mob had about 300 collected— Before any blood was shed we agreed to go away immediately.
It is a horrid time, men, women, & children are fleeing, or preparing to, in all directions, almost— We mean to try to settle in , if possible; God only knows our lot.
Yours, &c.
November 7, 1833.
Since I wrote yesterday morning, another horrid scene has transpired.— After our people agreed to leave the and were dispersed from each other in a measure, a party of the mob went to the Blue, and began to whip, and, as I heard last night, murder!
All hopes of going to the south was given up last night, when it was resolved that we forthwith into . The brethren have been driven into the woods, and God only knows what will become of them. Women and children are flockihg to and . Our families will have to take the ground for a floor to-night if they get down in season to cross the .