1844-12-14-New York Herald-City Intelligence

City Intelligence

New York Herald, December 14, 1844, vIX n50, p. 397.

City Intelligence

Police Office—Dec. 12.—Mormon vs. Mormon—Pot vs. Kettle—Complaint was made at the Police Office by Benjamin Winchester, of 240 North Second street, Philadelphia, against Samuel Bannan, publisher and editor of "The Prophet," a paper published in this city, supporting the Mormon principles and doctrines, charging him with having published in his paper of Nov. 23d, 1844, a libelous article, or portion of an article. He was arrested by officer Milborn, and held to bail to answer. The alleged libel is contained in a letter dated Bordentown, New Jersey, and signed Wm. Smith, and runs as follows:—

"I don't wish any one to infer from my former communication that Benjamin Winchester would or has stolen a horse, or slept with bad women, but I would sooner be guilty of all these crimes and charges than to have my garments stained with innocent blood, for it is well known that this B. Winchester is now under bonds of $2,500 for slandering Elder Adams, and that he was more or less engaged in the late infraction at Nauvoo. We are told that the partaker is as bad as the thief and hath eternal life abiding in him. Benny remember the book of the Prophet is still crying for vengeance.

"Suspicion ever haunts the guilty mind—

The thief doth fear each bush an officer."

How is it with you, Benny? Reflect on thy black deeds, O, thou child of hell! Repent before thou die and art called to judgement with thy sins upon thy head.

As ever, your brother in Christ.

[Signed] Wm. Smith."

"Benny" has exhibited how he feels, by having Sammy arrested, and would probably like to serve Billy out with the same sauce. Some astonishing disclosures will be made upon the trial, as the three were at one time at Nauvoo, and were there at the time of the murder of Joe Smith.