The Papers
Browse the PapersDocumentsJournalsAdministrative RecordsRevelations and TranslationsHistoriesLegal RecordsFinancial RecordsOther Contemporary Papers
Reference
PeoplePlacesEventsGlossaryLegal GlossaryFinancial GlossaryCalendar of DocumentsWorks CitedFeatured TopicsLesson PlansRelated Publications
Media
VideosPhotographsIllustrationsChartsMapsPodcasts
News
Current NewsArchiveNewsletterSubscribeJSP Conferences
About
About the ProjectJoseph Smith and His PapersFAQAwardsEndorsementsReviewsEditorial MethodNote on TranscriptionsNote on Images of People and PlacesReferencing the ProjectCiting This WebsiteProject TeamContact Us
Published Volumes
  1. Home > 
  2. The Papers > 
Interim Content

Letter to Thomas Ford, 21 August 1843

Source Note

Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
, on behalf of JS, Letter,
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, to
Thomas Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
,
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

More Info
, Sangamon Co., IL, 21 Aug. 1843; handwriting of
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
; dockets in handwriting of
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
and
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

View Full Bio
; four pages; JS Collection, CHL.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter from Shepherd Patrick, 11 August 1843

Page 3

the officers of law, who will trample upon the form of Justice, the laws of the country, and bid open defiance to both, in the manner that
Sheriff R.

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

View Full Bio
informs us that you acted with him after his arrest of the Mormon Prophet. That the State courts have a right, upon a writ of Habeas Corpus, to investigate the legality of all imprison[ment] within their respective chartered limits, whether such imprisonment is by the authority of the
U. S.

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
or of a State, no sound lawyer perhaps will doubt, but it is equally certain that no court upon such writ, has any right to go beyond the forms, & the “prima facie” evidence of the case— If the officers of courts and the community are so corrupt as to disregard their own laws and trample them under their feet & liberate their criminals in defiance of law, then it appears to me that the power of self government is extinct. If
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
by her own authority cannot capture the prophet, it will be but a small matter to raise volunteers enough here to raze the city of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
to the ground— If
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
fails to deliver up Jo Smith, there will be something serious between the two states.
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
will have Jo Smith for trial or impose as powerful restrictions as the constitution will allow upon the intercourse of the citizens of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
in
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
. If the
governor

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
is so imbecile as to allow his warrant to be disregarded by the Mormons &. permit the Prophet. to go at large, then let him be impeached and a more honorable & energetic man be placed in his stead. I have it from a high source that
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
will hold the whole
State

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
responsible for the treatment of our messenger and for the delivery of the prophet. Had you liberated the prophet by a regular writ of the “Habeas corpus” without mistreating our
Reynolds

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

View Full Bio
, I should have gloried in my acquaintance with you, but to have done it it in the manner it was done, reflects no honor either on yourself, your people or your government, The Mormons are only a lawless bandittie & I fear the pestilence has contaminated the whole community, & if
Reynold’s

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

View Full Bio
opinion be correct, yourself amongst the rest, Holy Jo was not afraid of the “injustice of our people.” It is the just punishment and their violated laws that he fears, I will now give you an impartial opinion of the prejudices again[s]t
Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
, here, and my opinion of his guilt,— There is not a man in this community but believes him guilty, There is a chain of circumstances against him so strong that no rational man can doubt his guilt.— I was at
Boggs [Lilburn W. Boggs’s]

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

View Full Bio
house two minutes after the deed it is in sight of mine, & &, the insidiousness of the offence renders it difficult to restrain the citizens from hanging him up without Judge or jury. So far however we have succeeded in quelling it. But should he be discharged upon trial the power of man cannot save him, (more tomorrow)
By the foregoing copy <​enclosed letter of—​> of Mr Hall’s (forwarded me by
Mr Patrick

28 Mar. 1815–2 Oct. 1877. Lawyer, farmer. Born in Wysox, Bradford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Shepard Patrick and Catherine Goodwin. Admitted to bar, 1841, in Bradford Co. Practiced law in Dixon, Lee Co., Illinois, by early 1840s. Served as legal counsel for...

View Full Bio
whose letter I also enclose) letter, your
Excellency

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
is apprized of the feelings of a part of
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
; How far such is the case in all the
state

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
, I know not, and care not, for the “mormons” are not very apprehensive that a company of
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
“volunteers” will come to “raze
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
to the ground” for some time; But as this letter comes from a high source, and refers to a still higher source, that the state of
missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
will hold the State of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
responsible for their treatment of
Reynolds

1813–29 Mar. 1884. Grocer, government official. Born in Lincoln Co., Kentucky. Moved to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, 1834. Elected county coroner, Aug. 1836, and justice of the peace, 1837. Served in Seminole War. Married first, by June 1840. Served...

View Full Bio
and the delivery of the prophet,— It was thought adviseable to give your
Excellency

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
the privilege of seeing and knowing for himself. Our people are <​as​> patriots, feel bound to maintain your honor and reputation, as well as that of the
state

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
, in company with that of their own; and when any danger actually threatens, if your
Excellency

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
send the necessary order, we will endeavor to defend the honor of the
governor

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

View Full Bio
, of the
state

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
, as and of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, [p. 3]
View entire transcript

|

Cite this page

Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 3

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Thomas Ford, 21 August 1843
ID #
3553
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D13:64–70
Handwriting on This Page
  • Willard Richards

© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UseUpdated 2021-04-13Privacy NoticeUpdated 2021-04-06