It may have been the intention of the state officials, at the first, to restore the exiles to their lands, but they evidently lacked the courage to cope with the lawless, but determined, enemies of the Saints. A number of leading elders were subpoenaed in behalf of the state to appear at the February (1834) term of court to be held at Independence. On the 23rd of that month, under the protection of Captain Atchison’s company of “Liberty Blues”—nearly fifty rank and file —these witnesses crossed the Missouri River bound for Independence. That night they camped in the woods. Captain Atchison, becoming alarmed at the appearance of the enemy, sent an express to Colonel Allen for two hundred drafted militia, and to Liberty for more ammunition. Early the next morning this company marched to Independence, and after breakfast they were visited by District Attorney Ames Reese and Attorney General R. W. Wells, who informed the witnesses that all hopes of criminal prosecution were at an end. Mr. Wells had been sent by the governor to investigate the Jackson County outrages, but the bold front of the mob evidently intimidated the state officials who were willing to appease the wrath of the mob rather than to maintain the majesty of the law.
As soon as Captain Atchison was informed that his services were no longer needed, he took his witnesses and marched them out of town, to the tune of Yankee Doodle, quick time, and soon returned to camp. One of the witnesses, Elder William W. Phelps, wrote of this farcical proceeding as follows: “This order was issued by the court, apparently on the speedy gathering of the old mob, or citizens of Jackson County, and their assuming such a boisterous and mobocratic appearance. Much credit is due to Captain Atchison for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct as soldiers and men, is highly reputable; so much the more, knowing as I do, the fatal results of the trial had the militia come or not come. . . . Thus ended all hopes of redress, even with a guard ordered by the governor for the protection of the court and witnesses.”
Notes
[1. ] In the spring of 1834, Governor Dunklin issued a requisition to Colonel S. D. Lucas to return the arms to the “Mormons” which were taken from them in November, 1833; but Lucas had resigned his commission and moved to Lexington, Missouri. A second requisition to Colonel Pitcher was contemptuously ignored. The arms were distributed among the mob and they boasted that they would not return them, notwithstanding the order of the governor of the state; and the arms were never returned.
Chapter 20
The Patriarchal Priesthood—Zion’s Camp
1833–1834
The Patriarchal Priesthood
December 18, 1833, a number of elders assembled in the printing office in Kirtland and dedicated the printing press, with all that pertained thereunto, unto the service of the Lord. The first sheets of the re-printed Evening and Morning Star were struck off, it having been decided to continue that periodical in Kirtland until the press could be restored in Independence.[1] While the elders were assembled in the printing office on this occasion the Prophet gave the first patriarchal blessings in this dispensation. It was his privilege to do this, for he held the keys of all the authority in the Church, and was spoken of as the first patriarch in the Church because of this fact, in the minutes which were kept at that time. Those who received blessings under his hands on this occasion were: Oliver Cowdery, the father and mother of the Prophet, and three of his brothers, Hyrum, Samuel and William Smith. Oliver Cowdery, who held the keys of Priesthood with the Prophet, also gave a number of patriarchal blessings. Joseph Smith, Sen., was ordained to the Patriarchal Priesthood, to hold the keys of blessing on the heads of all the members of the Church, the Lord revealing that it was his right to hold this authority. He was also set apart as an assistant counselor to the Prophet Joseph in the presidency, and at a later day Hyrum Smith, the Prophet’s brother, and John Smith, his uncle, were set apart to this same calling.