1844-09-12—New York Herald—The Mormons

The Mormons

New York Herald, #254, September 12, 1844

The Mormons

To the Editor of the Herald:—

Sir:—

Having observed a long communication in your valuable paper last week, signed by the notorious "Joseph H. Jackson," and believing you are ignorant of his true character, and feeling it a sacred duty that I owe my God, and the age in which I live, to unmask a cold-blooded villain, is the only apology I make for forcing myself upon your notice. First, I ask who devised the plan to murder Joseph Smith? Joseph H. Jackson concocted the plan and was the ring-leader in carrying it into execution, and boasted of it publicly at Fort Madison in the presence of many witnesses, only three days after the perpetration of the horrid deed. Captain Anderson, of the steamboat Osprey, can testify to the truth of this, saying nothing about the cloak Jackson took as his own, at Galena, and his numerous other villainies, let them pass; all men know that, a man who would murder another in cold blood, would tell a hundred lies to screen himself from the merited indignation of public opinion. — As to the communication, Jackson did not write it, as he is too great a blockhead to put six lines together correctly. It may be asked why Jackson should come out against Mr. Smith? Let the world hear the reason—Jackson came to Nauvoo, having heard that the Mormons were a bad people, and thinking they were just the people to aid him in his villainies. In this he was disappointed. He proposed his plans to Mr. Smith and others, who reproved him severely, and threatened him with exposure should he ever mention these things to them. After this rebuke, with the spirit of hell in his heart, he found some half apostates, such as the Laws, the Fosters, the Higbys, and a few others, who joined him in his bogus and counterfeit-money making business, and he aided them in their hellish plan to assassinate Joseph and Hyrum Smith; that is, if we can believe his own words, coupled with the strong combination of circumstances against him—for the testimony against him is as "strong as proof of holy writ." As to the lies, slanders, and contradictions contained in the article, I am willing every man should judge. But, Oh! Americans—can you put confidence in the words of an assassin or liar? If you can, then you may believe the tale of Joseph H. Jackson. As to the affidavits he has annexed to his communication, I think when two hundred men can be found to disguise themselves and murder two innocent men for a difference of opinion—and this when their faith, in common with their fellow citizens, was pledged by the Governor for their protection—I think, I say, it would not be a difficult matter to find me to add the crime of perjury to that of murder. I am aware I lay myself open to the law for what I have said above, but I stand ready to prove all I have here said, and more, when called upon.

With sentiments of esteem, I am, sir,

Your obedient servant,

G. J. Adams.