William Alexander Linn

The Story of the Mormons

THE STORY OF THE MORMONS: FROM THE DATE OF THEIR ORIGIN TO THE YEAR 1901

by WILLIAM ALEXANDER LINN

[-> See also: The Book of Mormon.]

Table of Contents

• Project Gutenberg Impressum and Copyright Notice

• Preface

BOOK I. THE MORMON ORIGIN

• CHAPTER I. FACILITY OF HUMAN BELIEF: The Real Miracle of Mormon Success--Effrontery of the Leaders' Professions--Attractiveness of Religious Beliefs to Man--Wherein the World does not make Progress--The Anglo-Saxon Appetite for Religious Novelties
• CHAPTER II. THE SMITH FAMILY: Solomon Mack and his Autobiography --Religious Characteristics of the Prophet's Mother--The Family Life in Vermont--Early Occupations in New York State--Pictures of the Prophet as a Youth--Recollections of the Smiths by their New York Neighbors
• CHAPTER III. HOW JOSEPH SMITH BECAME A MONEY-DIGGER: His Use of a Divining Rod--His First Introduction to Crystal-gazing--Peeping after Hidden Treasure--How Joseph obtained his own "Peek-stone"-- Methods of Midnight Money-digging
• CHAPTER IV. FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOLDEN BIBLE: Variations in the Early Descriptions--Joseph's Acquaintance with the Hales--His Elopement and Marriage--What he told a Neighbor about the Origin of his Bible Discovery--Early Anecdotes about the Book
• CHAPTER V. THE DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS OF THE REVELATION OF THE BIBLE: The Versions about the Spanish Guardian--Important Statement by the Prophet's Father--The Later Account in the Prophet's Autobiography--The Angel Visitor and the Acquisition of the Plates--Mother Smith's Version
• CHAPTER VI. TRANSLATION AND PUBLICATION OF THE BIBLE: Martin Harris's Connection with the Work--Smith's Removal to Pennsylvania --How the Translation was carried on--Harris's Visit to Professor Anthon--The Professor's Account of his Visit--The Lost Pages--The Prophet's Predicament and his Method of Escape--Oliver Cowdery as an Assistant Translator--Introduction of the Whitmers--The Printing and Proof--reading of the New Bible--Recollections of Survivors
• CHAPTER VII. THE SPAULDING MANUSCRIPT: Solomon Spaulding's Career--History of "The Manuscript Found"--Statements by Members of the Author's Family--Testimony of Spaulding's Ohio Neighbors about the Resemblance of his Story to the Book of Mormon--The Manuscript found in the Sandwich Islands
• CHAPTER VIII. SIDNEY RIGDON: His Biography--Connection with the Campbells--Efficient Church Work in Ohio--His Jealousy of his Church Leaders--Disciples' Beliefs and Mormon Doctrines-- Intimations about a New Bible--Rigdon's First Connection with Smith--The Rigdon-Smith Translation of the Scriptures--Rigdon's Conversion to Mormonism
• CHAPTER IX. "THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL": Probable Origin of the Idea of a Bible on Plates--Cyril's Gift from an Angel and Joachim's Use of it--Where Rigdon could have obtained the Idea Prominence of the "Everlasting Gospel" in Mormon Writings
• CHAPTER X. THE WITNESSES TO THE PLATES: Text of the Two "Testimonies"--The Prophet's Explanation of the First--Early Reputation and Subsequent History of the Signers--The Truth about the Kinderhook Plates and Rafinesque's Glyphs
• CHAPTER XI. THE MORMON BIBLE: Some of its Errors and Absurdities--Facsimile of the First Edition Title-page--The Historical Narrative of the Book--Its Lack of Literary Style--Appropriated Chapters of the Scriptures--Specimen Anachronisms
• CHAPTER XII. ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH: Smith's Ordination by John the Baptist--The First Baptisms--Early Branches of the Church--The Revelation about Church Officers--Cowdery's Ambition and How it was Repressed--Smith's Title as Seer, Translator, and Prophet--His Arrest and Release--Arrival of Parley P. Platt and Rigdon in Palmyra--The Command to remove to Ohio
• CHAPTER XIII. THE MORMONS' BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES--CHURCH GOVERNMENT: Long Years of Apostasy--Origin of the Name "Mormon" --Original Titles of the Church--Belief in a Speedy Millennium-- The Future Possession of the Earth--Smith's Revelations and how they were obtained--The First Published Editions--Counterfeit Revealers--What is Taught of God--Brigham Young's Adam Sermon-- Baptism for the Dead--The Church Officers

BOOK II. IN OHIO

• CHAPTER I. THE FIRST CONVERTS AT KIRTLAND: Original Missionaries sent out to the Lamanites--Organization of a Church in Ohio-- Effect of Rigdon's Conversion--General Interest in the New Bible and Prophet--How Men of Education came to believe in Mormonism-- Result of the Upturning of Religious Belief
• CHAPTER II. WILD VAGARIES OF THE CONVERTS: Convulsions and Commissions--Common Religious Excitements of those Days-- Description of the "Jerks"--Smith's Repressing Influence
• CHAPTER III. GROWTH OF THE CHURCH: The Appointment of Elders-- Beginning of the Proselyting System--Smith's Power Entrenched-- His Temporal Provision--Repression of Rigdon--The Tarring and Feathering of Smith and Rigdon--Treatment of the Mormons and of Other New Denominations compared--Rigdon's Punishment
• CHAPTER IV. GIFTS OF TONGUES AND MIRACLES: How Persons "Spoke in Tongues"--Seeing the Lord Face to Face--Early Use of Miracles-- The Story of the "Book of Abraham"--The Prophet as a Translator of Greek and Egyptian.
• CHAPTER V. SMITH'S OHIO BUSINESS ENTERPRISES: Young's Picture of the Prophet's Experience as a Retail Merchant--The Land Speculation--Laying out of the City--Building of the Temple-- Consecration of Property--How the Leaders looked out for themselves--Amusing Explanation of Section III of the "Doctrine and Covenants"--The Story of the Kirtland Bank--The Church View of its Responsibility for the Currency--The Business Crash and Smith's Flight to Missouri
• CHAPTER VI. LAST DAYS AT KIRTLAND: Pictures of the Prophet-- Accusations against Church Leaders in Missouri--Serious Charge against the Prophet--W. W, Phelps's Rebellion--Smith's Description of Leading Lights of the Church--Charges concerning Smith's Morality--The Church accused of practising Polygamy--A Lively Fight at a Church Service--Smith's and Rigdon's Defence of their Conduct--The Later History of Kirtland

BOOK III. IN MISSOURI

• CHAPTER I. THE DIRECTIONS TO THE SAINTS ABOUT THEIR ZION: Western Missouri in the Early Days--Pioneer Farming and Home-making--The Trip of the Four Mormon Missionaries--Direction about the Gathering of the Elect--How they were to possess the Land of Promise--Their Appropriation of the Good Things purchased of their Enemies
• CHAPTER II. SMITH'S FIRST VISITS TO MISSOURI: Founding the City of Zion and the Temple--Marvellous Stories that were told-- Dissatisfaction of Some of the Prophet's Companions
• CHAPTER III.THE EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY: Rapid Influx of Mormons--Result of the Publication of the Revelations--First Friction with their Non-Mormon Neighbors--Manifesto of the Mormons' Opponents--Their Big Mass Meeting--Demands on the Mormons--Destruction of the Star Printing-office--The Mormons' Agreement to leave--Smith's Advice to his Flock--Repudiation of the Mormon Agreement and Renewal of Hostilities--The Battle at Big Blue--Evacuation of the County--March of the Army of Zion--An Inglorious Finale
• CHAPTER IV. FRUITLESS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JACKSON COUNTY PEOPLE: A Fair Offer Rejected--The Mormon Counter Propositions-- Governor Dunklin on the Situation
• CHAPTER V. IN CLAY, CALDWELL, AND DAVIESS COUNTIES: Welcome of the Mormons by New Neighbors--Effect of their Claims about Possessing the Land--Ordered out of Clay County--Founding of Far West--A Welcome to Smith and Rigdon
• CHAPTER VI. RADICAL DISSENSIONS IN THE CHURCH: Trial of Phelps and Whitmer--Conviction of Oliver Cowdery on Serious Charges-- Expulsion of Leading Members--Origin of the Danites--Suggested by the Prophet at Kirtland--The Danite Constitution and Oath--Origin of the Tithing System
• CHAPTER VII. BEGINNING OF ACTIVE HOSTILITIES: Result of Smith's Domineering Course--Jealousy caused by the Scattering of the Saints--Founding of Adam-ondi-Ahman--Rigdon's Famous Salt Sermon--Open Defiance of the Non-Mormons--The Mormons in Politics--An Election Day Row--Arrests and Threats
• CHAPTER VIII. A STATE OF CIVIL WAR: Calling out of the Militia-- Proposed Expulsion of the Mormons from Carroll County--The Siege of De Witt--The Prophet's Defiance--Work of his "Fur Company"-- Gentile Retaliation--The Battle of Crooked River--The Massacre at Hawn's Mills--Governor Boggs's "Order of Extermination"
• CHAPTER IX. THE FINAL EXPULSION FROM THE STATE: General Lucas's Terms to the Mormons--Surrender of Far West and Arrest of Mormon Leaders--General Clark's Address to the Mormons--His Report to the Governor--General Wilson's Picture of Adam-ondi-Ahman--Fate of the Mormon Prisoners--Testimony at their Trial--Smith's Escape--Migration to Illinois

BOOK IV. IN ILLINOIS

• CHAPTER I. THE RECEPTION OF THE MORMONS: Incidents in the Early History of the State--Defiant Lawlessness--Politicians the First to Welcome the Newcomers--Landowners Among their First Friends
• CHAPTER II. THE SETTLEMENT OF NAUVOO: Smith's Leadership Illustrated--The Land Purchases--A Reconciliation of Conflicting Revelations--Smith's Financiering--Shameful Misrepresentation to Immigrants
• CHAPTER III. THE BUILDING UP OF THE CITY: Unhealthfulness of its Site--Rapid Growth of the Place--Early Pictures of it--Foreign Proselyting--Why England was a Good Field--Method of Work there-- The Employment of Miracles--How the Converts were Sent Over
• CHAPTER IV. THE NAUVOO CITY GOVERNMENT: Dr. Galland's Suggestions--An Important Revelation--Church Buildings Ordered-- Subserviency of the Legislature--Dr. John C. Bennett's Efficient Aid--Authority granted to the City Government--The Nauvoo Legion --Bennett's Welcome--The Temple and How it was Constructed
• CHAPTER V. THE MORMONS IN POLITICS: Smith's Decree against Van Buren--How the Prophet swung the Mormon Vote back to the Democrats--The Attempted Assassination of Governor Boggs--Smith's Arrest and What Resulted from it--Defeat of a Whig Candidate by a Revelation
• CHAPTER VI. SMITH A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: His Letter to Clay and Calhoun--Their Replies and Smith's Abusive Wrath--The Prophet's Views on National Politics--Reform Measures that He Proposed--His Nomination by the Church Paper--Experiences of Missionaries sent out to Work Up his Campaign
• CHAPTER VII. SOCIAL CONDITIONS IN NAUVOO: Character of its Population--Treatment of Immigrant Converts--Some Disreputable Gentile Neighbors--The Complaints of Mormon Stealings-- Significant Admissions--Mormon Protection against Outsiders--The Whittlers
• CHAPTER VIII. SMITH'S PICTURE OF HIMSELF AS AUTOCRAT: Glances at his Autobiography--Difficulties Connected with the Building Enterprises--A Plain Warning to Discontented Workmen--Trouble with Rigdon--Pressed by his Creditors--Transaction with Remick-- Currency Law passed by his City Council--How Smith regarded himself as a Prophet--His Latest Prophecies
• CHAPTER IX. SMITH'S FALLING OUT WITH BENNETT AND HIGBEE: Bennett's Expulsion and the Explanations concerning it--His Attacks on his Late Companions--Charges against Nauvoo Morality-- The Case of Nancy Rigdon--The Higbee Incident
• CHAPTER X. THE INSTITUTION OF POLYGAMY: An Examination of its Origin--Its Conflict with the Teachings of the Mormon Bible and Revelations--Early Loosening of the Marriage View under Smith-- Proof of the Practice of Polygamy in Nauvoo--Testimony of Eliza R. Snow--How her Brother Lorenzo shook off his Bachelorhood--John B. Lee as a Polygamist--Ebenezer Robinson's Statement--Objects of "The Holy Order"--The Writing of the Revelation about Polygamy-- Its First Public Announcement--Sidney Rigdon's Innocence in the Matter
• CHAPTER XI. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DOCTRINE OF POLYGAMY: Text of the Revelation--Orson Pratt's Presentation of it--The Doctrine of Sealing--Necessity of Sealing as a Means of Salvation--Attempt to show that Christ was a Polygamist
• CHAPTER XII. THE SUPPRESSION OF THE EXPOSITOR: Dr. Foster and the Laws--Rebellion against Smith's Teachings--Leading Features of the Expositor--Trial of the Paper and its Editors before the City Council--Destruction of the Press and Type--Smith's Proclamation
• CHAPTER XIII. UPRISING OF THE NON-MORMONS: Resolutions Adopted at Warsaw--Organizing and Arming of the People--Action of Governor Ford--Smith's Arrest--Departure of the Prisoners for Carthage
• CHAPTER XIV. THE MURDER OF THE PROPHET: Legal Proceedings after his Arrival in Carthage--The Governor and the Militia--The Carthage Jail and its Guards--Action of the Warsaw Regiment--The Attack on the Jail and the Killing of the Prophet and his Brother--Funeral Services in Nauvoo--Final Resting-place of the Bodies--Result of Indictments of the Alleged Murderers--Review of the Prophet's Character
• CHAPTER XV. AFTER SMITH'S DEATH: The People in a Panic--The Mormon Leaders for Peace--The Future Government of the Church-- Brigham Young's Victory--Rigdon's Trial before the High Council-- Verdict Against Him--His Church in Pennsylvania--His Ambition to be the Head of a Distinct Church--A Visit from Heavenly Messengers--His Last Days
• CHAPTER XVI. RIVALRIES OVER THE SUCCESSION: The Claim of the Prophet's Eldest Son--Trouble caused by the Prophet's Widow--The Reorganized Church--Strang's Church in Wisconsin--Lyman Wight's Colony in Texas
• CHAPTER XVII. BRIGHAM YOUNG: His Early Years--His Initiation into the Mormon Church--Fidelity to the Prophet--Embarrassments of his Position as Head of the Church--His View about Revelations--Plan for Home Mission Work--His Election as President
• CHAPTER XVIII. RENEWED TROUBLE FOR THE MORMONS: More Charges of Stealing--Significant Admission by Young--Business Plight of Nauvoo--More Politics--Defiant Attitude of Mormon Leaders--An Editor's View of Legal Rights--Stories about the Danites--Brother William on Brigham Young--The "Burnings"--Sheriff Backenstos's Proclamations--Lieutenant Worrell's Murder--Mormon Retaliation-- Appointment of the Douglas-Hardin Commission
• CHAPTER XIX. THE EXPULSION OF THE MORMONS: General Hardin's Proclamation--County Meetings of Non-Mormons--Their Ultimatum-- The Commission's Negotiations--Non-Mormon Convention at Carthage--The Agreement for the Mormon Evacuation
• CHAPTER XX. THE EVACUATION OF NAUVOO: Major Warren as a Peace Preserver--The Mormons' Disposition of their Property--Departure of the Leaders hastened by Indictments--Arrival of New Citizens-- Continued Hostility of the Non-Mormons--"The Last Mormon War"-- Panic in Nauvoo--Plan for a March on the Mormon City--Fruitless Negotiations for a Compromise--The Advance against the City--The Battle and its Results--Terms of Peace--The Final Evacuation CHAPTER XXI. NAUVOO AFTER THE EXODUS: Arrival of Governor Ford-- The Final Work on the Temple--The "Endowment" Ceremony and Oath-- Futile Efforts to sell the Temple--Its Destruction by Fire and Wind--The Nauvoo of To-day
• CHAPTER XXI. NAUVOO AFTER THE EXODUS

BOOK V. THE MIGRATION TO UTAH

• CHAPTER I. PREPARATIONS FOR THE LONG MARCH: Uncertainty of their Destination--Explanations to the People--Disposition of Real and Personal Property--Collection of Draft Animals--Activity in Wagon and Tent Making--The Old Charge of Counterfeiting--Pecuniary Sacrifices of the Mormons in Illinois
• CHAPTER II. FROM THE MISSISSIPPI TO THE MISSOURI: The First Crossings of the River--Camp Arrangements--Sufferings from the Cold--The Story of the Westward March--Motley Make-up of the Procession--Expedients for obtaining Supplies--Terrible Sufferings of the Expelled Remnant--Privations at Mt. Pisgah
• CHAPTER III. THE MORMON BATTALION: Extravagant Claims Regarding it Disproved--General Kearney's Invitation--Source of the Initial Suggestion--How the Mormons profited by the Organization--The March to California--Colonel Thomas L. Kane's Visit to the Missouri--His Intimate Relations with the Mormon Church
• CHAPTER IV. THE CAMPS ON THE MISSOURI: Friendly Welcome of the Mormons by the Indians--The Site of Winter Quarters--Busy Scenes on the River Bank--Sickness and Death--The Building of a Temporary City
• CHAPTER V. THE PIONEER TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS: Early Views of the Unexplored West--The First White Visitors to that Country-- Organization of the Pioneer Mormon Band--Rules observed on the March--Successful Buffalo Hunting--An Indian Alarm--Dearth of Forage--Post-offices of the Plains--A Profitable Ferry
• CHAPTER VI. FROM THE ROCKIES TO SALT LAKE VALLEY: No Definite Stopping-place in View--Advice received on the Way--The Mormon Expedition to California by Way of Cape Horn--Brannan's Fall from Grace--Westward from Green River--Advance Explorers through a Canon--First View of Great Salt Lake Valley--Irrigation and Crop Planting begun
• CHAPTER VII. THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES: Their Leaders and Make-up --Young's Return Trip--Last Days on the Missouri--Scheme for a Permanent Settlement in Iowa--Westward March of Large Companies

BOOK VI. IN UTAH

• CHAPTER I. THE FOUNDING OF SALT LAKE CITY: Utah's First White Explorers--First Mormon Services in the Valley--Young's View of the Right to the Land--The First Buildings--Laying out the City--Early Crop Disappointment--Discomforts of the First Winter-- Primitive Dwelling-places--The Visitation of Crickets--Glowing Accounts sent to England
• CHAPTER II. PROGRESS OF THE SETTLEMENT: Schools and Manufactures --How the City appeared in 1849--Sufferings during the Winter of 1908--Immigration checked by the Lack of Food--Aid supplied by the California Goldseekers--Danger of a Mormon Exodus--Young's Rebuke to his Gold-seeking Followers--The Crop Failure of 1855 and the Famine of the Following Winter--The Tabernacle and Temple
• CHAPTER III. THE FOREIGN IMMIGRATION TO UTAH: The Commercial joint Stock Company Scandal--Deceptive Statements made to Foreign Converts--John Taylor's Address to the Saints in Great Britain-- Petition to Queen Victoria--Mormon Duplicity illustrated--Young's Advice to Emigrants--Glowing Pictures of Salt Lake Valley--The Perpetual Emigrating Fund--Details of the Emigration System
• CHAPTER IV. THE HAND-CART TRAGEDY: Young's Scheme for Economy-- His Responsibility for the Hand-cart Experiment--Details of the Arrangement--Delays at Iowa City--Unheeded Warnings--Privations by the Way--Early Lack of Provisions--Suffering caused by Insufficient Clothing--Deaths of the Old and Infirm--Horrors of the Camps in the Mountains--Frozen Corpses found at Daybreak-- Sufferings of a Party at Devil's Gate--Young's Attempt to shift the Responsibility
• CHAPTER V. EARLY POLITICAL HISTORY: The Aim at Independence-- First Local Government--Adoption of a Constitution for the State of Deseret--Babbitt's Application for Admission as a Delegate-- Memorial opposing his Claim--His Rejection--The Territorial Government
• CHAPTER VI. BRIGHAM YOUNG'S DESPOTISM: Causes that contributed to its Success--Helplessness of the New-comers from Europe-- Influence of Superstition--Young's Treatment of the Gladdenites-- His Appropriation of Property Laws passed by the Mormon Legislature--Bishops as Ward Magistrates--A Mormon Currency and Alphabet--What Emigrants to California learned about Mormon Justice
• CHAPTER VII. THE "REFORMATION": Young's Disclosures about the Character of his Flock--The Stealing from One Another--The Threat about "Laying Judgment to the Line"--Plain Declarations about the taking of Human Lives--First Steps of the "Reformation"--An Inquisition and Catechism--An Embarrassing Confession--Warning to those who would leave the Valley
• CHAPTER VIII. SOME CHURCH-INSPIRED MURDERS: The Story of the Parrishes--Carrying out of a Cold-blooded Plot--Judge Cradlebaugh's Effort to convict the Murderers--The Tragedy of the Aikin Party--The Story of Frederick Loba's Escape
• CHAPTER IX. BLOOD ATONEMENT: Early Intimations concerning it-- Jedediah M. Grant's Explanation of Human Sacrifices--Brigham Young's Definition of "Laying Judgment to the Line"--Two of the Sacrifices described--"The Affair at San Pete"
• CHAPTER X. TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT: Brigham Young the First Governor--Colonel Kane's Part in his Appointment--Kane's False Statements to President Fillmore--Welcome to the Non-Mormon Officers--Their Early Information about Young's Influence--Pioneer Anniversary Speeches--Judge Brocchus's Offence to the Mormons-- Young's Threatening and Abusive Reply--The Judge's Alarm about his Personal Safety--Return of the Non-Mormon Federal Officers to Washington--Young's Defence
• CHAPTER XI. MORMON TREATMENT OF FEDERAL OFFICERS: A Territorial Election Law--Why Colonel Steptoe declined the Governorship-- Young's Assertion of his Authority--His Reappointment--Two Bad Judicial Appointments--Judge Stiles's Trouble about the Marshals-- Burning of his Books and Papers--How Judge Drummond's Attempt at Independence was foiled--The Mormon View of Land Titles--Hostile Attitude toward the Government Surveyors--Reports of the Indian Agents
• CHAPTER XII. THE MORMON "WAR": What the Federal Authorities had learned about Mormonism--Declaration of the Republican National Convention of 1856--Striking Speech by Stephen A. Douglas-- Alfred Cumming appointed Governor with a New Set of Judges-- Statement in the President's Message--Employment of a Military Force--The Kimball Mail Contract--Organization of the Troops-- General Harney's Letter of Instruction--Threats against the Advancing Foe--Mobilization of the Nauvoo Legion--Captain Van Vliet's Mission to Salt Lake City--Young's Defiance of the Government--His Proclamation to the Citizens of Utah--"General" Wells's Order to his Officers--Capture and Burning of a Government Train--Colonel Alexander's Futile March--Colonel Johnston's Advance from Fort Laramie--Harrowing Experience of Lieutenant Colonel Cooke's Command
• CHAPTER XIII. THE MORMON PURPOSE: Correspondence between Colonel Alexander and Brigham Young--Illustration of Young's Vituperative Powers--John Taylor's Threat--Incendiary Teachings in Salt Lake City--A Warning to Saints who would Desert--The Army's Winter Camp --Proclamation by Governor Cumming--Judge Eckles's Court--Futile Preparations at Washington
• CHAPTER XIV. COLONEL KANE'S MISSION: His Wily Proposition to President Buchanan--His Credentials from the President--Arrival in California under an Assumed Name--Visit to Camp Scott--General Johnston ignored--Reasons why both the Government and the Mormons desired Peace--Kane's Success with Governor Cumming--The Governor's Departure for Salt Lake City--Deceptions practiced on him in Echo Canon--His Reception in the City--Playing into Mormon Hands--The Governor's Introduction to the People--Exodus of Mormons begun
• CHAPTER XV. THE PEACE COMMISSION: President Buchanan's Volte-face--A Proclamation of Pardon--Instructions to Two Peace Commissioners--Chagrin of the Military--Governor Cumming's Misrepresentations--Conferences between the Commissioners and Young--Brother Dunbar's Singing of "Zion"--Young's Method of Surrender--Judge Eckles on Plural Marriages--The Terms made with the Mormons--March of the Federal Troops to the Deserted City-- Return of the Mormons to their Homes
• CHAPTER XVI. THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE: Circumstances Indicative of Mormon Official Responsibility--The Make-up of the Arkansas Party--Motives for Mormon Hostility to them--Parley P. Pratt's Shooting in Arkansas--Refusal of Food Supplies to the Party after leaving Salt Lake City--Their Plight before they were attacked--Successful Measures for Defence--Disarrangement of the Mormon Plans--John D. Lee's Treacherous Mission--Pitiless Slaughter of Men, Women, and Children--Testimony given at Lee's Trial--The Plundering of the Dead--Lee's Account of the Planning of the Massacre--Responsibility of High Church Officers--Lee's Report to Brigham Young and Brigham's Instructions to him--The Disclosures by "Argus"--Lee's Execution and Last Words
• CHAPTER XVII. AFTER THE "WAR": Judge Cradlebaugh's Attempts to enforce the Law--Investigation of the Mountain Meadows Massacre-- Governor Cumming's Objections to the Use of Troops to assist the Court--A Washington Decision in Favor of Young's Authority--The Story of a Counterfeit Plate--Five Thousand Men under Arms to protect Young from Arrest--Sudden Departure of Cumming--Governor Dawson's Brief Term--His Shocking Treatment at Mormon Hands-- Governor Harding's Administration--The Morrisite Tragedy
• CHAPTER XVIII. ATTITUDE OF THE MORMONS DURING THE SOUTHERN REBELLION: Press and Pulpit Utterances--Arrival of Colonel Connor's Force--His March through Salt Lake City to Camp Douglas --Governor Harding's Plain Message to the Legislature--Mormon Retaliation--The Governor and Two Judges requested to leave the Territory--Their Spirited Replies--How Young escaped Arrest by Colonel Connor's Force--Another Yielding to Mormon Power at Washington
• CHAPTER XIX. EASTERN VISITORS TO SALT LAKE CITY: Schuyler Colfax's Interviews with Young--Samuel Bowles's Praise of the Mormons and his Speedy Correction of his Views--Repudiation of Colfax's Plan to drop Polygamy--Two more Utah Murders--Colfax's Second Visit
• CHAPTER XX. GENTILE IRRUPTION AND MORMON SCHISM: Young's Jealousy of Gentile Merchants--Organization of the Zion Cooperative Mercantile Institution--Inception of the "New Movement"--Its Leaders and Objects--The Peep o' Day and the Utah Magazine-- Articles that aroused Young's Hostility--Visit of the Prophet's Sons to Salt Lake City--Trial and Excommunication of Godbe and Harrison--Results of the "New Movement".
• CHAPTER XXI. THE LAST YEARS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG: New Governors-- Shaffer's Rebuke to the Nauvoo Legion--Conflict with the New Judges--Brigham Young and Others indicted--Young's Temporary Imprisonment--A Supreme Court Decision in Favor of the Mormon Marshal and Attorney--Outside Influences affecting Utah Affairs-- Grant's Special Message to Congress--Failure of the Frelinghuysen Bill in the House--Signing of the Poland Bill--Ann Eliza Young's Suit for Divorce--The Later Governors
• CHAPTER XXII. BRIGHAM YOUNG'S DEATH: His Character--Explanation of his Dictatorial Power--Exaggerated Views of his Executive Ability--Overestimations by Contemporaries--Young's Wealth and how he acquired it--His Revenue from Divorces--Unrestrained Control of the Church Property--His Will--Suit against his Executors--List of his Wives--His Houses in Salt Lake City
• CHAPTER XXIII. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF POLYGAMY: Varied Provisions for Plural Wives--Home Accommodations of the Leaders--Horace Greeley's Observation about Woman's Place in Utah--Meaus of overcoming Female Jealousy--Young and Grant on the Unhappiness of Mormon Wives--Acceptance of Fanatical Teachings by Women--Kimball on a Fair Division of the Converts--Church Influence in Behalf of Plural Marriages--A Prussian Convert's Dilemma--President Cleveland on the Evils of Polygamy
• CHAPTER XXIV. THE FIGHT AGAINST POLYGAMY: First Measures introduced in Congress--The Act of 1862--The Cullom Bill of 1869 --Its Failure in the Senate--The United States Supreme Court Decision regarding Polygamy--Conviction of John Miles--Appeal of Women of Salt Lake City to Mrs. Hayes and the Women of the United States--President Hayes's Drastic Recommendation to Congress-- Recommendations of Presidents Garfield and Arthur--Passage of the Edmunds Bill--Its Provisions--The Edmunds-Tucker Amendment-- Appointment of the Utah Commission--Determined Opposition of the Mormon Church--Placing their Flags at Half Mast--Convictions under the New Law--Leaders in Hiding or in Exile--Mormon Honors for those who took their Punishment--Congress asked to disfranchise All Polygamists--The Mormon Church brought to Bay-- Woodruff's Famous Proclamation--How it was explained to the Church--The Roberts Case and the Vetoed Act of 1901--How Statehood came
• CHAPTER XXV. THE MORMONISM OF TO-DAY: Future Place of the Church in American History--Main Points of the Mormon Political Policy-- Unbroken Power of the Priesthood--Fidelity of the Younger Members--Extension of the Membership over Adjoining States--Mission Work at Home and Abroad--Decreased Foreign Membership--Effect of False Promises to Converts--The Settlements in Canada and Mexico --Polygamy still a Living Doctrine--Reasons for its Hold on the Church--Its Appeal to the Female Members--Importance of a Federal Constitutional Amendment forbidding Polygamous Marriages--Scope of the Mormon Political Ambition

[-> See also: The Book of Mormon.]