2047

Mormonism Nauvoo, IL ALS 1845

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Mormonism Nauvoo, IL ALS 1845
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Autograph letter signed by F.C. Moore of Quincy, Illinois reporting a mob war with the Mormons in Nauvoo, Illinois. Dated 17 September 1845, Moore writes to John Pierce in New York. In part: ''…We shall probably have a very serious war with the Mormons in Hancock County, which has commenced by burning the Mormon dwellings, and yesterday the Mormons shot a respectable Anti-Mormon by name of [Franklin] Worrell. Some 50 houses have been burnt near the line of this county…The fact is, the Mormons out vote the old citizens & have the contract of all the offices, and justice cannot be obtained in that county. The Eastern papers have no idea of the state of annarchy in that county. It is said that [Mormon supporter Jacob] Backenstos the Sheriff of Hancock shot Mr. Worrell…A number of Mormon families have fled to this city for safety, and so sure as they congregate here, we shall have fighting. The Mormons sent an express to Gov. [Thomas] Ford, calling on him for aid. It is said his reply was, 'THEY MAY GO TO HELL.,' pretty language for a Governor! Between Loco Foco's rulers & Mormon neighbours we are in a poor situation…'' Jacob Worrell had been captain of the Carthage militia who had guarded Joseph Smith's cell and permitted the mob to storm it. He was most likely killed by one of the most feared Mormon enforcers, Orrin Porter Rockwell. The locofocos were a group of radical Democrats prominent in the 1830's; by 1845 the name was used perjoratively when referring to Democrats in general. It would not be long before the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo were compelled to move yet again from what had seemed to be their promised land. Fine condition.