2049

Mormonism ALS 1843

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Mormonism ALS 1843
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Autograph letter signed by an early settler and store owner from Quincy, Illinois named J.B. Mathews. Dated 16 August 1843 and addressed to Col. John Mills of Marietta, Ohio, Mathews gives his very strong opinions about the Mormons moving into town: ''…I am trying hard to wind up my business in Hancock and to sell my property there for I am determined to leave that county if I have to go a begging somewhere else -- the control of the affairs of that county has passed from the hands of the old city into those of a set of imposters & fanatics called Mormons and nothing but imposition & violence can be expected from them until either they drive the old citizens out or they drive them as the people of Missouri did -- in the meantime nothing but jealousy & violence can be hoped for -- indeed I will not be surprised any moment to hear of fighting & bloodshed -- they are a vile set and if it should come to that fate, their extermination must be the result. Respectfully yours, J.B. Mathews''. With the tensions of that time period and the death of Mormon founder Joseph Smith less than a year later in 1844, the writer of this letter, though clearly expressing his biases against the Mormons, was remarkably prescient with what laid ahead for them in the short term. Folded letter on three pages measures 7.75'' x 13''. Small portion separated along one fold and several very small holes, otherwise very good condition.