Thomas B. Marsh, at a later day (1857), also returned to the Church. On the 4th of September, 1857, he arrived in Salt Lake City with the immigrants of William Walker’s company. He had crossed the plains from Harrison County, Mo. Two days after his arrival he addressed a congregation in the tabernacle and in his remarks said: “I can say, in reference to the quorum of the twelve, to which I belonged, that I did not consider myself a whit behind any of them, and I suppose that others had the same opinion; but let no one feel too secure; for before you think of it, your steps will slide. You will not then think nor feel for a moment as you did before you lost the Spirit of Christ; for when men apostatize, they are left to grovel in the dark. . . . But let me tell you, my brethren and friends, if you do not want to suffer in body and mind, as I have done; if there are any of you that have the seeds of apostasy in you, do not let them make their appearance, but nip that spirit in the bud; for it is misery and affliction in this world, and destruction in the world to come” (Deseret News, Sept. 16, 1857). He was a broken man in health and spirit and showed that the hand of affliction had been over him. “If you want to see the fruits of apostasy,” he would say, “look at me!” He was later ordained a high priest.
The shadow of color for the report made by Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde, was in the fact that a Dr. Sampson Avard, who had shortly before joined the Church, did organize a band which he called “Danites.” These Danites did subscribe to some oath of vengeance on their enemies. However, as soon as Joseph Smith discovered what was going on, he put a stop to it and Avard was excommunicated.
[5.] The exterminating order of Governor Boggs to General Clark is as follows:
“Sir: Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq., and Wiley C. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which changes the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made open war upon the people of this state. Your orders are, therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor to reach Richmond, in Ray County, with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the state, if necessary for the public good. Their outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force, you are authorized to do so, to any extent you may think necessary. I have just issued orders to Major-General Wallock, of Marion County, to raise five hundred men, and to march them to the northern part of Daviess and there to unite with General Doniphan, of Clay, who has been ordered with five hundred men to proceed to the same point for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the north. They have been directed to communicate with you by express; and you can also communicate with them if you find it necessary. Instead, therefore, of proceeding as at first directed, to reinstate the citizens of Daviess in their homes, you will proceed immediately to Richmond, and there operate against the Mormons. Brigadier-General Parks, of Ray, has been ordered to have four hundred men of his brigade in readiness to join you at Richmond. The whole force will be placed under your command.
“L. W. Boggs,”
“Governor and Commander-in-Chief.”
“To General Clark.”
Chapter 25
Persecutions of the Saints
1838