Minutes and Testimonies, 12–29 November 1838, Copy [State of Missouri v. Gates et al. for Treason]
Source Note
Minutes and Testimonies, , Ray Co., MO, 12–29 Nov. 1838, State of MO v. Gates et al. for Treason (Fifth Judicial Circuit of MO 1838). Copied ca. late 1838–ca. early 1839; unidentified handwriting; fifty-seven pages; Mormon War Papers, MSA.
or fight till they died. and some other made about the same remark— 's 4th of July oration was the declaration refered to. Along through the summer & fall, a storm appeared to be gathering and from time to time I went out into & counties— saw and conversed with many gentleman on the subject who always assured me that they would use every exertion that the law should be enforced, and I repeatedly made these things known in & that there was no disposition among the people to raise mobs against them from these counties.
I never <was> invited, nor did I attend any of their secret meetings. I was at the meeting the Monday before the last Expedition to — having learned that steps would be taken then which might effect me. At this meeting the Presidency together with many others were there to the number of perhaps 200 or 300 or more.
Joseph Smith Jr I think it was who addressed the meeting and said in substance— that they was then about to go war in — that those persons who had not turned out, their property should be taken to maintain the war— this was by way of formal resolution and was not objected to by any present. A motion was then made by that the blood of those who were thus backward should first be spilt in the streets of . A few said amen to this,— but immediately Mr Jo Smith Jr. before s motion was put. rose and moved that they be taken out into & if they came to battle they should be put on their horses with bayonets & pitchforks and put in front— this passed without a dissenting voice— There was a short made then by Jo Smith Jr. about carrying [p. [52]]