Chapter II (2)

The following conversation took place in the City Council, and
was elicited in consequence of its being reported that the doctor
had stated that I had acted in an indecorous manner, and given
countenance to vices practiced by the doctor and others:--

Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-mayor, was then called upon by the mayor
to state if he knew aught against him [i.e., Joseph Smith], when
Mr. Bennett replied: I know what I am about, and the heads of the
Church know what they are about, I expect. I have no difficulty
with the heads of the Church. I publicly avow that any one who
has said that I have stated that General Joseph Smith has given
me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women, is a liar in
the face of God; those who have said it are damned liars; they are
infernal liars. He never, either in public or private, gave me
any such authority or license, and any person who states it, is
a scoundrel and a liar. I have heard it said that I would become
a second Avard by withdrawing from the Church, and that I was at
variance with the heads, and would use an influence against them,
because I resigned the office of mayor; this is false. I have no
difficulty with the heads of the Church, and I intend to continue
with you, and hope the time may come when I may be restored
{39} to full confidence and fellowship, and my former standing
in the Church; and that my conduct may be such as to warrant my
restoration; and should the time ever come that I may have the
opportunity to test my faith, it will then be known whether I am a
traitor or a true man.

Joseph Smith then asked: "Will you please state definitely whether
you know anything against my character either in public or private?"

General Bennett answered: "I do not; in all my intercourse with
General Smith, in public and in private, he has been strictly
virtuous."

WILSON LAW,

HIRAM KIMBALL,

BRIGHAM YOUNG,

WILLARD RICHARDS,

HEBER C. KIMBALL,

WILFORD WOODRUFF,

GEO. A. SMITH,

NEWEL K. WHITNEY,

ORSON SPENCER,

JOHN TAYLOR,

JOHN P. GREENE,

GUSTAVE HILLS,

GEORGE W. HARRIS,

JAMES SLOAN, City Recorder.

May 19, 1842.

After I had done all in my power to persuade him to amend his
conduct, and these facts were fully established (not only by
testimony, but by his own confessions) he having acknowledged that
they were true, and seeing no prospects of any satisfaction from
his future life, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from him as a
member of the Church by the officers; but on account of his earnest
requesting that we would not publish him to the world, we concluded
not to do so at that time, but would let the matter rest until we
saw the effect of what we had already done.

It appears evident that as soon as he perceived that he could no
longer maintain his standing as a member of the Church, nor his
respectability as a citizen, he came to the conclusion to leave the
place, which he has done, and that very abruptly; and had he done
so quietly, and not attempted to deceive the people around him,
his case would not have excited the indignation of the citizens
so much as his real conduct has done. In order to make his case
look plausible, he has reported that he had withdrawn from the
Church because we were not worthy of his society; thus, instead of
manifesting a spirit of repentance, {40} he has to the last proved
himself to be unworthy the confidence or regard of any upright
person, by lying to deceive the innocent, and committing adultery
in the most abominable and degraded manner.

We are credibly informed that he has colleagued with some of our
former wicked persecutors, the Missourians, and has threatened
destruction upon us; but we should naturally suppose that he
would be so much ashamed of himself at the injury he has already
done to those who never injured him, but befriended him in every
possible manner, that he could never dare to lift up his head
before an enlightened public with the design either to misrepresent
or persecute; but be that as it may, we neither dread him nor
his influence, but this much we believe, that unless he is
determined to fill up the measure of his iniquity, and bring sudden
destruction upon himself from the hand of the Almighty, he will be
silent, and never more attempt to injure those concerning whom he
has testified upon oath he knows nothing but that which is good and
virtuous.

Thus I have laid before the Church of Latter-day Saints, and before
the public, the character and conduct of a man who has stood high
in the estimation of many; but from the foregoing facts, it will
be seen that he is not entitled to any credit, but rather to be
stamped with indignity and disgrace so far as he may be known. What
I have stated, I am prepared to prove, having all the documents
concerning the matter in my possession, but I think that to say
further is unnecessary, as the subject is so plain that no one can
mistake the true nature of the case.

I remain, yours respectfully,

JOSEPH SMITH.

Nauvoo, June 23, 1842.

I have been engaged in domestic affairs and counseling the brethren the last week.

I addressed the following letter to Richmond, Massachusetts:

_The Prophet's Letter to Jennetta Richards_.

NAUVOO, June 23, 1842.

SISTER JENNETTA RICHARDS:--Agreeable to your request in the midst
of the bustle and business of the day, and the care of all the
churches both at home and abroad, I now embrace a moment to address
a few words to you, thinking peradventure it may be a consolation
to you to know that you, too, are remembered by me, as well as all
the Saints.

My heart's desire and prayer to God is all the day long for all the
Saints, and in an especial and particular manner for those whom He
hath {41} chosen and anointed to bear the heaviest burthens in the
heat of the day, among which number is your husband received--a man
in whom I have the most implicit confidence and trust. You say I
have got him; so I have, in the which I rejoice, for he has done me
a great good, and taken a great burthen off my shoulders since his
arrival in Nauvoo. Never did I have a greater intimacy with any man
than with him. May the blessings of Elijah crown his head for ever
and ever. We are about to send him in a few days after his dear
family; he shall have our prayers fervently for his safe arrival
in their embraces; and may God speed his journey, and return him
quickly to our society; and I want you, beloved sister, to be a
general in this matter, in helping him along, which I know you
will. He will be able to teach you many things which you never have
heard; you may have implicit confidence in the same.

I have heard much about you by the Twelve, and in consequence of
the great friendship that exists between your husband and me, and
the information they all have given me of your virtue and strong
attachment to the truth of the work of God in the last days, I
have formed a very strong brotherly friendship and attachment
for you in the bonds of the Gospel. Although I never saw you, I
shall be exceedingly glad to see you face to face, and be able to
administer in the name of the Lord, some of the words of life to
your consolation, and I hope that you may be kept steadfast in the
faith, even unto the end.

I want you should give my love and tender regard to Brother
Richards' family, and those who are friendly enough to me to
inquire after me in that region of the country, not having but
very little time to apportion to any one, and having stolen this
opportunity, I therefore subscribe myself, in haste, your most
obedient brother in the fullness of the Gospel,

JOSEPH SMITH.

P.S.--Brother Richards having been with me for a long time, can
give you any information which you need, and will tell you all
about me. I shall be very anxious for his return; he is a great
prop to me in my labors.

J. S.

The Afghan war has cost great Britain $15,000,000 per annum since its commencement.

_Friday, 24_.--Called St. John's day. I rode in Masonic procession to the grove where a large assembly of masons and others listened to an address from President Rigdon. {42} Dined at the Masonic Hall Hotel, kept by Brother Alexander Mills.

Wrote Governor Carlin as follows:

_The Prophet's Letter to Governor Carlin on John C. Bennett Affairs_.

NAUVOO, June 24, 1842.

_Thomas Carlin, Governor of the State of Illinois_:

DEAR SIR:--It becomes my duty to lay before you some facts relative
to the conduct of our major-general, John C. Bennett, which have
been proven beyond the possibility of a dispute, and which he
himself has admitted to be true in my presence.

It is evident that his general character is that of an adulterer
of the worst kind, and although he has a wife and children living,
circumstances which have transpired in Nauvoo, have proven to a
demonstration that he cares not whose character is disgraced,
whose honor is destroyed, nor who suffers, so that his lustful
appetite may be gratified; and further, he cares not how many or
how abominable the falsehoods he has to make use of to accomplish
his wicked purposes, even should it be that he brings disgrace upon
a whole community.

Some time ago it having been reported to me that some of the
most aggravated cases of adultery had been committed upon some
previously respectable females in our city, I took proper methods
to ascertain the truth of the report, and was soon enabled to bring
sufficient witnesses before proper authority to establish the
following facts:

More than twenty months ago Bennett went to a lady in the city
and began to teach her that promiscuous intercourse between the
sexes was lawful and no harm in it, and requested the privilege of
gratifying his passions; but she refused in the strongest terms,
saying that it was very wrong to do so, and it would bring a
disgrace on the Church.

Finding this argument ineffectual, he told her that men in higher
standing in the Church than himself not only sanctioned, but
practiced the same deeds; and in order to finish the controversy,
said and affirmed that I both taught and acted in the same manner,
but publicly proclaimed against in consequence of the prejudice of
the people, and for fear of trouble in my own house. By this means
he accomplished his designs; he seduced a respectable female with
lying, and subjected her to public infamy and disgrace.

Not contented with what he had already done, he made the attempt on
others, and by using the same language, seduced them also.

About the early part of July, 1841, I received a letter from
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; in it was contained information setting
forth that {43} said Bennett had a wife and two or three children
then living. This I read to him, and he acknowledged it was true.

A very short time after this, he attempted to destroy himself by
taking poison; but being discovered before it had taken sufficient
effect, and proper antidotes being administered, he recovered.

The impression made upon the minds of the public by this event,
was that he was so ashamed of his base conduct, that he took this
course to escape the censure of a justly indignant community. It
might have been supposed that after this he would have broken
off his adulterous proceedings; but to the contrary, the public
consternation had scarcely ceased, before he was again deeply
involved in the same wicked proceedings and continued until a
knowledge of the fact reached my ears. I immediately charged him
with the whole circumstance, and he candidly acknowledged the truth
of the whole.

The foregoing facts were established on oath before an alderman of
the city; the affidavits are now in my possession.

In order that the truth might be fully established, I asked Bennett
to testify before an alderman, whether I had given him any cause
for such aggravating conduct. He testified that I never taught him
that illicit intercourse with females was under any circumstances
justifiable, neither did he ever hear me teach anything but the
strictest principles of righteousness and virtue. This affidavit is
also in my possession. I have also a similar affidavit taken before
the City Council, and signed by the members of the Council.

After these things transpired, and finding that I should resist all
such wicked conduct, and knowing that he could no longer maintain
himself as a respectable citizen, he has seen fit to leave Nauvoo,
and that very abruptly.

I have been credibly informed that he is colleaguing with some
of our former cruel persecutors, the Missourians, and that he is
threatening destruction upon us; and under these circumstance I
consider it my duty to give you information on the subject, that a
knowledge of his proceedings may be before you in due season.

It can be proven by hundreds of witnesses that he is one of the
basest of liars, and that his whole routine of proceedings, while
among us, has been of the basest kind.

He also stated that he had resigned his commission as major-general
to the Governor, whether this be true or not, I have no knowledge.
I wish to be informed on the subject, that we may know how to act
in regard to the Legion.

A short time ago, I was told by a friend of mine (not a member of
the Church) that some of the Missourians were conspiring to come
up to Nauvoo and kidnap me, and not doubting but that it might be
true, {44} I consulted with General Bennett upon the most proper
course to be pursued. We concluded to write to you on the subject,
and I requested him to do so. I understand he has written to you,
but I know not in what manner, and I should be very much pleased if
you would write to me on receipt of this, giving me the contents of
his communication.

I have also heard that you have entertained of late very
unfavorable feelings towards us as a people, and especially so with
regard to myself, and that you have said that I ought to be shot,
&c. If this be true, I should be pleased to know from yourself the
reason of such hostile feelings, for I know of no cause which can
possibly exist that might produce such feelings in your breast.

It is rumored, and strong evidence exists, that Dr. Bennett and
David and Edward Kilbourn have posted bills in Galena, calling upon
the people to hold meetings, and have themselves in readiness at a
moment's warning to be assembled and come here and mob us out of
the place, and try to kidnap me; we know not as to the truth of
this report, but we have conversed with some transient persons who
had the report from a gentleman who lately came from there, and had
seen those hand bills posted in Galena.

In case of any mob coming upon us, I wish to be informed by the
Governor what will be the best course for us to pursue, and how he
wishes us to act in regard to this matter.

JOSEPH SMITH.

Lieutenant-General Nauvoo Legion.

There was a severe shock of an earthquake at Antigua.

_Saturday, 25_.--Transacted business with Brother Hunter, and Mr. Babbitt, and sat for a drawing of my profile to be placed on a lithograph of the map of the city of Nauvoo.

[Sidenote: The Work of Stephens and Catherwood.]

Messrs. Stephens and Catherwood have succeeded in collecting in the interior of America a large amount of relics of the Nephites, or the ancient inhabitants of America treated of in the Book of Mormon, which relics have recently been landed in New York.

_Sunday, 26_.--President Young preached on the law of consecration, and union of action in building up the city and providing labor and food for the poor.

[Sidenote: Council meetings at the Prophet's Home.]

I attended meeting and council at my house at six {45} o'clock p. m.; present Hyrum Smith, George Miller, Newel K. Whitney, William Marks, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards, to take into consideration the situation of the Pine country, and lumbering business, and other subjects of importance to the Church; after consultation thereon the brethren united in solemn prayer that God would make known His will concerning the Pine country, and that He would deliver His anointed, His people, from all the evil designs of Governor Boggs, and the powers of the state of Missouri, and of Governor Carlin and the authorities of Illinois, and of all Presidents, Governors, Judges, Legislators, and all in authority, and of John C. Bennett, and all mobs and evil designing persons, so that His people might continue in peace and build up the city of Nauvoo, and that His chosen might be blessed and live to man's appointed age, and that their households, and the household of faith might continually be blest with the fostering care of heaven, and enjoy the good things of the earth abundantly. Adjourned to Monday evening.

_Monday, 27_.--Transacted a variety of business. Borrowed money of Brothers Woolley, Spencer, &c., and paid Hiram Kimball for the mound.

When the council assembled in the evening, Brothers Hunter, Ivins, Woolley, Pierce and others being present, the adjourned council was postponed till Tuesday evening, and I proceeded to lecture at length on the importance of uniting the means of the brethren for the purpose of establishing manufactories of all kinds, furnishing labor for the poor, &c. Brothers Hunter and Woolley offered their goods towards a general fund, and good feelings were generally manifested.

This morning little Frederick G. W. Smith told his dream to all the house, that "the Missourians had got their heads knocked off."

_Tuesday, 28_.--Paid Brothers Woolley and Spencer. {46} Brother Hunter's goods were received at the store, and Brother Robins consecrated his goods and money to the general fund.

The adjourned council of Sunday evening met in my upper room, and were agreed that a reinforcement go immediately to the Pine country, led by Brother Ezra Chase. The council dispersed after uniting in solemn prayer to God for a blessing on themselves and families, and the Church in general, and for the building up of the Temple and Nauvoo House and city; for deliverance from their enemies, and the spread of the work of righteousness: and that Brother Richards (who was expected to go East tomorrow for his family) might have a prosperous journey, have power over the winds and elements, and all opposition and dangers, his life and health be preserved, and be speedily returned to this place with his family, that their lives and health might be preserved, and that they might come up in peace to this place, and that Brother Richards might be prospered according to the desire of his heart, in all things in relation to his household, and the Church, and that the Spirit of God might rest upon him continually, so that he may act according to the wisdom of heaven.

Previous to the council, in company with Bishop Miller, I visited Elder Rigdon and his family, and had much conversation about John C. Bennett, and others, much unpleasant feeling was manifested by Elder Rigdon's family, who were confounded and put to silence by the truth.

_George Miller's Letter to Governor Reynolds of Missouri_.

_To his Excellency Governor Reynolds, of Missouri_.

DEAR SIR:--You will permit me to ask you to peruse this letter and
the accompanying newspaper, relative to the character and conduct
of John Cook Bennett, who associated himself with our religious
community nearly two years ago, he being a man of respectable
talents and moderately good literary attainments.

In the judicial organization of our city under the charter granted
by {47} the legislature of Illinois, said Bennett was elected
mayor; and continued to hold said office of mayor until within the
last two months or less. He having learned that he could no longer
maintain a standing as an honorable man in our society, he tendered
his resignation, which was accepted.

The object of this communication is, therefore, to inform you of
the true character of said John C. Bennett, that he may not injure
the innocent by gaining credence with you, or those over whom your
Excellency is placed to govern.

We have learned from respectable sources that John Cook Bennett has
entered into a conspiracy with some of the citizens of your state,
to bring a mob upon us, and thereby disturb our peaceful vocations
of life, and destroy and drive us from our homes and firesides.

Believing that your Excellency cannot be influenced by the popular
prejudice, almost everywhere entertained against us, on account of
our peculiar tenets, I am the more free to write to you without
reserve, knowing that the high-toned and honorable men of the
earth will not be easily carried away by popular opinion or vulgar
prejudice; but will always be found on the side of the law-abiding
portion of the community, and will suppress, so far as in them
lies, every movement that tends to abridge the rights, or mar the
peace and happiness of any portion of the citizens of the common
country.

I have resided in this city nearly three years, and have attached
myself to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, soon
after their location here; and have had a good opportunity of
learning the feelings of the leading members of the said Church in
regard to the citizens of Missouri which are of the most friendly
nature, ever desiring to live in peace and cultivate friendship
with all the citizens of your state, as also all the states,
and all mankind generally; it being a principle of our faith to
cultivate friendship and live in peace with all mankind; and if
Dr. John Cook Bennett, or any other person, may conspire with
citizens of your state to bring upon us mob violence, we confide in
you as one who will under all circumstances, interpose the strong
arm of the law in the suppression of conspiracy or mobs, or any
other violation of law. As citizens of the United States we claim
the protection of the several states and the United States in all
our constitutional rights; and having learned something of your
character, we, the more confidently, expect your protection against
all lawless aggressions by any of the citizens of your state.

Whatever may be reported concerning us, we assure your Excellency
that our feelings are, as I have before stated, of the most
friendly nature, and should Bennett or any other person report
anything {48} contrary, your Excellency need pay no attention to
it; for it is not the truth, and is only designed by wicked men to
cause the overthrow of the innocent.

Should any report have already reached your ears, I would esteem it
as a great favor, if you would give me information of the same by
letter immediately on receipt of this.

I am, yours respectfully,

GEORGE MILLER.

{49}