1846-02-10-New York Tribune-The Mormons
The Mormons
New York Tribune, 10 February 1846, pg 1.
(Copy of a letter from Gen. Arlington Bennet to Doctor Willard Richards, Nauvoo.)
- ARLINGTON HOUSE, Feb. 9, 1846.
Dr. Sir: Orson Hyde's epistle in The New-York Tribune is a clear proof, were there no other, that there is no faith to be placed in some of the Mormon rulers, if they cannot get hold of the cash.
When I refused to supply funds to publish the Map of Nauvoo, not having any at the time, and at the same time announced to Joseph my disbelief of the divinity of his Mission, a furious, bombastic article was published in the Prophet's name, offering me gross insult and abuse. This I let pass, as the Prophet supposed, for his sins, (as others will do,) or the sins of his people, shortly after.
What in the name of common sense have I to gain by the Mormons, that I should suffer myself to be used in any way by them? They have chosen me, not I them, and I have joined in the romance only because I am fond of fun.
Orson Hyde charges my letters with falsehood, and perhaps I ought to plead guilty to the venal charge, for I said, "That twelve more benevolent heads than those of the rulers could not be picked out of ten thousand men"—and at this the Warsaw Signal had a hearty laugh!
You well know yourself, Doctor, that no romance can equal Mormon expectation! You have told me that you would sit in company with Mormon Kings, before your death—(I think it likely)—that the Mormons would not only rule Illinois, but in addition, the United States and North America—yea ultimately the whole world. (Not likely.) Why, then, does Orson Hyde charge my letters with wild exaggeration when I said the Mormons would have a Western Empire of Saints?
You teach your people that the world and every thing in it belongs to them, and that you will ultimately have it; that, consequently, the things in it are kept from you only by circumstance! I said, therefore, that you could not live under any other laws but your own, and that your removal to California was the only alternative to ensure your peace.
I have urged this step on you ever since I have known you, as you will see by my letters. In addition to your own testimony, which I much respect, you shall have President Young's in confirmation.
The evening I met the Rulers of the Church in Nauvoo, being all New-England men, or the sons of New-England men, I put this question in their presence, to President Young, Orson Hyde being present—"Is it true, Sir, that the Mormons claim the world as their own, as this is a charge made against you abroad?" President Young instantly rose and replied, "The World is ours, and we will have it, too!" Now, how can my letters, Doctor, be charged with "wild exaggeration." when I spoke of the mighty Empire about to be established in the West? That you have some very excellent and sincere men among you, I will not deny, notwithstanding their most extraordinary religious and political opinions, and the mass of your followers are a sincere, friendly, confiding set of creatures.
I most sincerely regret to have to make this defence against the charge of falsehood or exaggeration in my letters from the West. If any charge could be brought against my Communications to the New-York "Sun." it ought to be for giving the Mormon Rulers, or their heads, a better character than it does now appear some of them really deserved; and this, if so, grew out of my commiseration for the poor suffering creatures that were burned out of house and home by a set of unfeeling men. I wrote to President Young for orders to go out as your military leader to California, which I think I would much enjoy, as the journey would be full of incident, and afford great sport on the way; and if I should go my intention is to return by the way of Mexico and Texas.
But if my letters have given such offence, I must of course decline all farther communications with the Authorities at Nauvoo, as they will no doubt reciprocate the sentiment.
My best respects to the Messrs. Pratt and other such noble-minded, generous men, to include President Young and others; and may you all have a happy issue to your journey.
With much esteem, I remain, dear Doctor,
- Your very humble ser'vt.
- JAMES ARLINGTON BENNET.
Dr,. Willard Richards, Nauvoo, Ill.
