or unoccupied, are among some of the richest and most fertile of the continent; And Whereas many of the inhabitants of the would gladly embrace the opportunity of extending their researches, and acquirements, so soon as they can receive protection in their enterprize; thereby adding strength, durability, and wealth to the ; And Whereas the red man, the robber, and the desperado have frequently interrupted such research and acquisition without justifiable cause; And Whereas Joseph Smith has offered, and does hereby offer these ; To show his loyalty to our confederate , and the consitution of our ; To prevent quarrels and bloodshed on our frontiers; To extend the arm of deliverance to ; To protect the inhabitants of from foreign aggression, and domestic broils; To prevent the crowned nations from encircling us as a nation on our western and southern borders and save the Eagle’s talons from the Lion’s paw; To still the tongue of slander, and show the world that a Republic can be, and not be ungrateful; To open the vast regions of the un<​peopled​> west and south to our enlightened and enterprising yeomanry; To protect them in their researches; To secure them in their locations, and thus strengthen the government and enlarge her borders; To extend her influence; To inspire the nations [p. 3]