Civil War in Missouri.—The people o f Jackson county are using the torch, the sword, and the
musket, against the Mormonites. On the 31st of October, a mob of fifty persons attacked and demolished 12 of the Mormon dwellings, beat the inmates, and drove women and children into the woods. On the 1st Nov. the war recommenced, both parties using fire arms. On the 5th, the mob recommenced the assault about 300 strong. Several of the assailants were badly wounded and three of them killed. Among the latter was an Attorney named H. L. Breazeleale. Subsequently, there was another battle, in which several were killed on both sides. One of the Mormon worshippers gives an account of the affair in a St. Louis paper, concluding as follows:—
l am satisfied that it is useless to undertake to enforce the laws in that country under the present circumstances, because there is no one to enforce them. Every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, is either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob.
Under these painful circumstances, what remains to be done? Must we be driven from our homes? Must we leave the soil for which we have paid our money? Must our women and children be turned out of doors with nothing but the clouded canopy to cover them, and the perpetrators of the above crimes escape unpunished? Or must we fight our enemies three to one, or lie down and die and our names be blotted out from among man? Let the Executive of our state and Nation consider these questions, and if they will answer them in the negative, let them signify it by raising the helping hand. Again I ask, in the behalf of my brethren. Will not the Governor or President lend a helping hand in this dreadful extremity? Shall the cries of the innocent and distressed, salute the ears of the Executive in vain? God forbid! For while the constitution of the United States, which was given by inspiration of Almighty God through the instrumentality of our fathers, shall stand, I trust that those who are honored with the Executive, will see that the laws are magnified and made honorable. Perhaps some of my friends, on reading this letter: will be ready to ask me what I think of my religion now: I have no reply other than this: Paul said, "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Editors, through the United States, are requested to publish this letter, if they are willing to confer this favor upon those who are journeying through much tribulation.
I am, sirs, though a stranger, your friend and humble servants. ORSAN HYDE
19th Century Mormon Article Newspaper Index
