History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

THE COUNTRY IN ARMS. 101
was despatched to Kirtland to consult as to what was
best to be done. Meanwhile, incendiary articles appeared
in the Western Monitor, printed at Fayette, Missouri.
''Two years ago," said that journal, " some two
or three of this people made their appearance on the
upper Missouri, and they now number some twelve
hundred souls in this county." They look at the
land as theirs to inherit, by either fair means or foul;
and when the officers of law and government shall be
Mormon, we must go. "One of the means resorted
to by them, in order to drive us to emigrate, is an in-
direct invitation to the free brethren of color in Illi-
nois to come up like the rest to the land of Zion."
True, they deny this, but that is only subterfuge.
So it is resolved that no more Mormons shall be permitted
to come; that those here must go within a
reasonable time; and that the Star printing-office
shall be declared confiscated.
An appeal was made to the governor, Daniel Dunklin,
for redress, and while awaiting the answer matters
were continued much in the usual way. The
brethren were instructed by their elders not to retaliate,
but to bear all with meekness and patience. At
length a letter came from the governor, assuring them
of his protection, and advising them to resort to the
courts for damages. The church leaders ordered that
none should leave Independence except those who
had signed an agreement to that effect. Four lawyers
were engaged for one thousand dollars to carry
the matter into the courts. No sooner was this
known than the whole country rose in arms and made
war upon the Mormons. On the nights of October
30th, 31st, and November 1st, armed men attacked
branches of the church west of Big Blue, and at the
prairie unroofed the houses and beat the men. Almost
simultaneously attacks were made at other
points. Stones flew freely in Independence, and
houses were destroyed and the inmates wounded.
Gilbert's store was broken open, and the goods scat-