In the meantime the camp continued on its journey. To accept the governor’s proposition to sell their lands, was out of the question; as soon would they expect to sell their children, for the Lord had commanded them to retain their possessions, or inheritances in that land. On the 15th of June, 1834, Orson Hyde and Parley P. Pratt, the delegates, returned from Jefferson City and reported that the governor refused to fulfil his promise. For some reason, which is not explained but which may be guessed, he had received a change of heart, although his reason was stated to be on the ground of “impracticability.” Such a lamentable failure on the part of the governor to do his duty, was a severe blow to the Saints.
Threats of the Mob
On the morning of June 19, 1834, as the camp was passing through Richmond, Missouri, they were informed by a friendly farmer who entertained them and gave them refreshments, that they had many enemies about, and that a mob from Jackson and other counties was intending to intercept them before they could reach their brethren in Clay County. This was later confirmed. Their progress, by act of divine providence, was impeded which forced them to camp between the Little and Big Fishing rivers that night. As they were making camp five men rode up and told them they would “see hell before morning.” They stated that an armed force from Ray and Clay counties was to join a Jackson County force at the Fishing River ford bent on the utter destruction of the camp. While these five men were in the camp, cursing and swearing vengeance, signs of an approaching storm were seen. No sooner had these men left the camp than the storm burst in all its fury. Hailstones so large that they cut limbs from the trees fell all around the camp, while the trees were twisted from their roots by the force of the wind. The earth trembled and quaked, the streams became raging torrents, and the mobbers dispersed seeking shelter that could not be found. One mobber was killed by lightning and another had his hand torn off by a fractious horse, and in fear they dispersed, saying, if that was the way God fought for the “Mormons” they would go about their business. On the morning of June 21, Colonel Sconce with two companions visited the camp to learn what the intention of the members were. He said: “I see there is an almighty power that protects this people, for I started from Richmond, Ray County, with a company of armed men, having a fixed determination to destroy you, but was kept back by the storm. The Prophet related to these men the sufferings of the Saints, and they left the camp offering to use their influence to allay the excitement which prevailed. During all this storm the members of the camp were protected from its fury.
Judge Ryland’s Proposition
Evidently with the best of intentions, Judge John F. Ryland, on the 10th of June 1834, wrote to Algernon S. Gilbert offering to call a meeting in Liberty on the 16th, for the purpose of allaying the “disturbances between the Mormons and the citizens of Jackson County.” A similar communication was sent to prominent citizens of Jackson County. In their answer Elders John Corrill and A. S. Gilbert expressed a willingness to meet, but declared that under no condition would the Saints sell their property in Jackson County. On the 16th, the proposed meeting was held. A deputation from Jackson County was present and made a proposition to this effect: They would buy all the lands that the “Mormons” own in Jackson County, and also all improvements, the value of said land to be determined by three disinterested parties; twelve of the “Mormons” would be permitted to go into Jackson County, to show their lands and improvements; the purchase was to be made within thirty days after the decision was reached, and one hundred per cent would be added to the appraisement. On the other hand, the “Mormons” were offered all the lands of the citizens of Jackson on the same terms. This proposition was signed by ten men who stated they were authorized to take this action.
After the reading of the proposition Samuel C. Owens, one of the Jackson committee, made a war speech and was followed by Rev. Riley who declared that “the Mormons have lived long enough in Clay County; and they must clear out, or be cleared out.” The moderator of the meeting. Mr. Turnham, replied: “Let us be republicans; let us honor our country, and not disgrace it like Jackson County; don’t disfranchise or drive away the Mormons. They are better citizens than many of the old inhabitants.” General A. W. Doniphan arose and said: “That’s a fact, and as the Mormons have armed themselves, if they don’t fight they are cowards. I love to hear that they have brethren coming to their assistance. Greater love can no man show, than he who lays down his life for his brethren.” At this instant pistols and knives were drawn and the cry was raised at the door that a man was stabbed. The mass instantly rushed out to see what had happened, and the meeting broke up in confusion.
Unfairness of the Proposition
Reflecting on the proposition offered by the mob committee from Jackson, the Prophet Joseph writes: “It may be thought, at first view, that the mob committee made a fair proposition to the Saints, in offering to buy their lands at a price fixed by disinterested arbitrators, and one hundred per centum added thereto, payment to be made in thirty days, and offering theirs on the same terms; but when it is understood that the mob held possession of a much larger quantity of land than the Saints, and that they only offered thirty days for the payment, having previously robbed the Saints of nearly everything, it will be readily seen that they were only making a sham to cover their previous unlawful conduct.” To meet this proposition, which was not made in sincerity, the Saints would have been under the necessity of raising in thirty days approximately six hundred thousand dollars, a thing out of reason, which the mobbers knew. Moreover, they were well aware of the fact that the Saints would not sell although ten times the value of the land were offered, for the Lord had commanded them to hold to their inheritances.
Counter Proposition of the Saints
Some time later a counter proposition was made by the Saints to the Missourians. They offered to buy out all those who were unwilling to dwell in Jackson County with them in peace, on such terms as had been offered except that the payment would be made in one year. A committee of twelve, six from each side were to determine the value of the lands. It is needless to say that the proposition was not received very kindly by these hypocrites and deceivers.