Mormonism.

              “Mormonism.” Susquehanna Register (Montrose, Pennsylvania) 9, no. 21 (1 May 1834).

MORMONISM.

Mr. WARD, SIR,—The Sect calling themselves Mormons, which started a few years since
in Harmony in this County, have, you are aware brought themselves into public notice in many
parts of our country. A gentleman in the state of Ohio, applied to Mr. ISAAC HALE, of Harmony,
for a history of facts relating to the character of JOSEPH SMITH jun., author of the Book of
Mormon, called by some, the Golden Bible. Mr. HALE sent the facts in a letter, and the Mormons
pronounced the letter a forgery; and said that ISAAC HALE was blind, and could not write his
name,—which was the cause of the taking the accompanying affidavits.
Some of your subscribers, and particularly those at a distance, might feel obliged by your
inserting the affidavits, then all might judge for themselves, as to the authenticity of the
Revelation claimed to have been made to JOSEPH SMITH jun’r. A SUBSCRIBER.
Great Bend 21, March 1834.
PAINESVILLE, OHIO FEB. 4, 1834.
Mr. ISAAC HALE,—
Dear Sir,—I have a letter with your signature, post-marked Dec. 22, 1833—addressed to
D. P. HURLBUT, on the subject of Mormonism. I have taken all the letters and documents from
Mr. HURLBUT, with a view to their publication. An astonishing mass has been collected by him
and others, who have determined to lay open the imposition to the world. And as the design is to
present FACTS, and those well authenticated, and beyond dispute, it is very desirable, that your
testimony, whatever it may be, should come authenticated before a magistrate.
Your letter has already been pronounced a forgery by the Mormons, who say you are
blind and cannot write, even your name. I hope no one has attempted to deceive us: deception
and falsehood in the business will do no good in the end, but will help build up the monstrous
delusion. We look upon your connexion with Smith, and your knowledge of facts, as very
important, in the chain of events,—and if it be your desire to contribute what facts you have, in
so desirable an undertaking, I hope you will without delay, have drawn up a full narrative of
every transaction wherein SMITH, jun’r. is concerned and attest them before a magistrate—This
is our plan.
E. D. HOWE.
Statement of Mr. Hale.
I first became acquainted with JOSEPH SMITH, Jr. in November, 1825. He was at that time
in the employ of a set of men who were called “money-diggers;” and his occupation was that of
seeing, or pretending to see by means of a stone placed in his hat, and his hat closed over his
face. In this way he pretended to discover minerals and hidden treasure. His appearance at this
time, was that of a careless young man—not very well educated, and very saucy and insolent to
his father. Smith, and his father, with several other ‘money-diggers’ boarded at my house while
they were employed in digging for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by
the Spaniards, many years since. Young Smith gave the ‘money-diggers’ great encouragement,
at first, but when they had arrived in digging, to near the place where he had stated an immense
treasure would be found—he said the enchantment was so powerful that he could not see. They
then became discouraged, and soon after dispersed. This took place about the 17th of November,
1825; and one of the company gave me his note for $12.68 for his board, which is still unpaid.
After these occurrences, young Smith made several visits at my house, and at length
asked my consent to his marrying my daughter Emma. This I refused, and gave my reasons for
so doing; some of which were, that he was a stranger, and followed a business that I could not
approve: he then left the place. Not long after this, he returned, and while I was absent from
home, carried off my daughter, into the state of New York, where they were married without my
approbation or consent. After they had arrived at Palmyra N. Y., Emma wrote to me enquiring
whether she could have her property, consisting of clothing, furniture, cows, &c. I replied that
her property was safe, and at her disposal. In a short time they returned, bringing with them a
Peter Ingersol, and subsequently came to the conclusion that they would move out, and reside
upon a place near my residence.
Smith stated to me, that he had given up what he called “glass-looking,” and that he
expected to work hard for a living, and was willing to do so. He also made arrangements with my
son Alva Hale, to go up to Palmyra, and move his (Smith’s) furniture &c. to this place. He then
returned to Palmyra, and soon after, Alva, agreeable to the arrangement, went up and returned
with Smith and his family. Soon after this, I was informed they had brought a wonderful book of
Plates down with them. I was shown a box in which it is said they were contained, which had to
all appearances, been used as a glass box of the common sized window-glass. I was allowed to
feel the weight of the box, and they gave me to understand, that the book of plates was then in
the box—into which, however, I was not allowed to look.
I inquired of Joseph Smith Jr., who was to be the first who would be allowed to see the
Book of Plates? He said it was a young child. After this, I became dissatisfied, and informed him
that if there was any thing in my house of that description, which I could not be allowed to see,
he must take it away; if he did not, I was determined to see it. After that, the Plates were said to
be hid in the woods.
About this time, Martin Harris made his appearance upon the stage; and Smith began to
interpret the characters or hieroglyphics which he said were engraven upon the plates, while
Harris wrote down the interpretation. It was said, that Harris wrote down one hundred and
sixteen pages, and lost them. Soon after this happened, Martin Harris informed me that he must
have a greater witness, and said that he had talked with Joseph about it—Joseph informed him
that he could not, or durst not show him the plates, but that he (Joseph) would go into the woods
where the Book of Plates was, and that after he came back, Harris should follow his track in the
snow, and find the Book, and examine it for himself. Harris informed me afterwards, that he
followed Smith’s directions, and could not find the Plates, and was still dissatisfied.
The next day after this happened, I went to the house where Joseph Smith Jr., lived, and
where he and Harris were engaged in their translation of the Book. Each of them had a written
piece of paper which they were comparing, and some of the words were “my servant seeketh a
greater witness, but no greater witness can be given him.” There was also something said about
“three that were to see the thing”—meaning I supposed, the Book of Plates, and that “if the
three did not go exactly according to orders, the thing would be taken from them.” I enquired
whose words they were, and was informed by Joseph or Emma, (I rather think it was the former)
that they were the words of Jesus Christ. I told them then, that I considered the whole of it a
delusion, and advised them to abandon it. The manner in which he pretended to read and
interpret, was the same as when he looked for the money-diggers, with the stone in his hat, and
his hat over his face, while the Book of Plates were at the same time hid in the woods!
After this, Martin Harris went away, and Oliver Cowdry came and wrote for Smith, while
he interpreted as above described. This is the same Oliver Cowdry, whose name may be found in
the Book of Mormon. Cowdry continued a scribe for Smith until the Book of Mormon was
completed as I supposed, and understood.
Joseph Smith Jr. resided near me for some time after this, and I had a good opportunity of
becoming acquainted with him, and somewhat acquainted with his associates, and I
conscientiously believe from the facts I have detailed, and from many other circumstances,
which I do not deem it necessary to relate, that the whole “Book of Mormon” (so called) is a silly
fabrication of falsehood and wickedness, got up for speculation, and with a design to dupe the
credulous and unwary—and in order that its fabricators might live upon the spoils of those who
swallow the deception. ISAAC HALE.
Affirmed to and subscribed before me, March 20th, 1834.
CHARLES DIMON, J. Peace.
State of Pennsylvania,
Susquehanna County, ss.
We, the subscribers, associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said
county, do certify that we have been for many years personally acquainted with Isaac Hale, of
Harmony township in this county, who has attested the foregoing statement; and that he is a man
of excellent moral character, and of undoubted veracity. Witness our hands.
WILLIAM THOMPSON.
DAVIS DIMOCK.
March 21st, 1834.
I have been acquainted with Isaac Hale for fifty years, and have never known him guilty
of wilfully, or deliberately telling a falsehood. His character for truth and veracity has never been
questioned. He has been Supervisor, Assessor and Collector, in this town—has kept his own
accounts, and made his returns, to the satisfaction of all concerned. But he is now old, and his
arms are somewhat palsied, so that when he desires any thing written, he usually employs one of
his sons, although he retains his sight, and is still capable of writing.
NATHANIEL LEWIS.
Affirmed and subscribed before me,
March 20, 1834.
CHARLES DIMON, J. Peace.
State of Pennsylvania,
Susquehanna County, ss.
I do hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with Nathaniel Lewis, who affirmed to,
and subscribed the above certificate, for these twenty-seven years, last past, and during the whole
of that time he has been a respectable minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man of
veracity, and good moral character. Witness my hand, March 21st, 1834. WM. THOMPSON,
Associate Judge.
Elder Lewis also certifies and affirms in relation to Smith as follows:
“I have been acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. for some time: being a relation of his wife,
and residing near him, I have had frequent opportunities of conversation with him, and of
knowing his opinions and pursuits. From my standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, I
suppose he was careful how he conducted or expressed himself before me. At one time, however,
he came to my house, and asked my advice, whether he should proceed to translate the Book of
Plates (referred to by Mr. Hale) or not. He said that God had commanded him to translate it, but
he was afraid of the people: he remarked, that he was to exhibit the plates to the world, at a
certain time, which was then about eighteen months distant. I told him I was not qualified to give
advice in such cases. Smith frequently said to me that I should see the plates at the time
appointed.
“After the time stipulated, had passed away, Smith being at my house was asked why he
did not fulfil his promise, show the Golden Plates and prove himself an honest man? He replied
that he, himself was deceived, but that a-should see them if I were where they were. I reminded
him then, that I stated at the time he made the promise, I was fearful “the enchantment would be
so powerful” as to remove the plates, when the time came in which they were to be revealed.
“These circumstances and many others of a similar tenor, embolden me to say that Joseph
Smith Jr. is not a man of truth and veracity; and that his general character in this part of the
country, is that of an impostor, hypocrite and liar.
NATHANIEL C. LEWIS.”
Affirmed and subscribed, before me, March 20th 1834.
CHARLES DIMON, J. Peace.
We subjoin the substance of several affidavits, all taken and made before CHARLES
DIMON Esq. by credible individuals, who have resided near to, and been well acquainted with
Joseph Smith Jr.—Illustrative of his character and conduct, while in this region.
JOSHUA M’KUNE states, that he “was acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris,
during their residence in Harmony, Penn’a., and knew them to be artful seducers;”—That they
informed him that “Smith had found a sword, breast-plate, and a pair of spectacles, at the time he
found the gold plates”—that “these were to be shown to all the world as evidence of the truth of
what was contained in those plates,” and that “he (M’Kune) and others should see them at a
specified time.” He also states that “the time for the exhibition of the Plates, &c. has gone by,
and he has not seen them.” “Joseph Smith, Jr. told him that his (Smith’s) first-born child was to
translate the characters, and hieroglyphics, upon the Plates into our language at the age of three
years; but this child was not permitted to live to verify the prediction.” He also states, that “he
has been intimately acquainted with Isaac Hale twenty-four years, and has always found him to
be a man of truth, and good morals.”
HEZEKIAH M’KUNE states, that “in conversation with Joseph Smith Jr., he (Smith) said he
was nearly equal to Jesus Christ; that he was a prophet sent by God to bring in the Jews, and that
he was the greatest prophet that had ever arisen.”
ALVA HALE son of Isaac Hale, states, that Joseph Smith Jr. told him that his (Smith’s) gift
in seeing with a stone and hat, was a gift from God,” but also states “that Smith told him at
another time that this “peeping” was all d——d nonsense. He (Smith) was deceived himself but
did not intend to deceive others;—that he intended to quit the business, (of peeping) and labor
for his livelihood.” That afterwards, Smith told him, he should see the Plates from which he
translated the book of Mormon,” and accordingly at the time specified by Smith, he (Hale)
“called to see the plates, but Smith did not show them, but appeared angry.” He further states,
that he knows Joseph Smith Jr. to be an impostor, and a liar, and knows Martin Harris to be a liar
likewise. That his father (Isaac Hale) can both see and write, the declarations of the Mormons to
the contrary notwithstanding; and that the letter sent by his father, Isaac Hale, to Dr. P. Hurlbut
was written by Jesse Hale, his (I. Hale’s) son, and was correct and true.”
LEVI LEWIS states, that he has “been acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris,
and that he has heard them both say, adultery was no crime. Harris said he did not blame Smith
for his (Smith’s) attempt to seduce Eliza Winters &c.;”—Mr. Lewis says that he “knows Smith
to be a liar;—that he saw him (Smith) intoxicated at three different times while he was
composing the Book of Mormon, and also that he has heard Smith when driving oxen, use
language of the greatest profanity. Mr. Lewis also testifies that he heard Smith say that he
(Smith) was as good as Jesus Christ;—that it was as bad to injure him as it was to injure Jesus
Christ.” “With regard to the plates, Smith said God had deceived him—which was the reason he
(Smith) did not show the plates.”
NATHANIEL C. LEWIS states “he has always resided in the same neighborhood with Isaac
Hale, and knows him to be a man of truth, and good judgment.” He further states, that “he has
been acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris, and knows them to be lying
impostors.”
SOPHIA LEWIS, certifies that she “heard a conversation between Joseph Smith Jr., and the
Rev. James B. Roach, in which Smith called Mr. R. a d——d fool. Smith also said in the same
conversation that he (Smith) was as good as Jesus Christ;” and that she “has frequently heard
Smith use profane language. She states that she heard Smith say “the Book of Plates could not be
opened under penalty of death by any other person but his (Smith’s) first-born, which was to be a
male.” She says she “was present at the birth of this child, and that it was still-born and very
much deformed.”
We certify that we have long been acquainted with Joshua M’Kune, Hezekiah M’Kune,
Alva Hale, Levi Lewis, Nathaniel C. Lewis and Sophia Lewis, [the individuals furnishing the
several statements above referred to] and that they are all persons of good moral character, and
undoubted truth and veracity.
ABRAHAM DUBOIS, J. Peace.
JASON WILSON, Post Master.
HERBERT LEACH.
Great Bend, Susquehanna Co. Penn’a.
March 20th, 1834.