John Corrill to the Star, June 14, 1843

Jackson county mob leaders spread word that the Mormons were coming, burned remaining Mormon property and blamed it on the Mormons themselves; hundreds of armed men ready to repel any attempt to return; agitating citizens of Clay county. Some residents leaving Jackson. Mormon intentions purely defensive, governor has assurred protection.

This is the extract published in The Evening and the Morning Star. Bracketed text and italics are the Star's. Paragraph breaks in the Star are marked by ¶ symbols.

Oliver Cowdery's introduction	¶	We give, below, an extract of a letter from brother J. Corrill, dated, "Clay Co. Mo. June, 14." It will be remembered, that the last No. of the Star contained a letter from brother W. W. Phelps, of the same place, giving information of the destruction of houses, &c. as well as the alarm, and determination of the mob to resist the civil law to the last, which is confirmed by the following. It will be seen, however, that their leaders are beginning to leave the place for fear of consequences; abandoning their ignorant and wretched followers to help themselves out of trouble in the best manner they can devise.—[Editor of the Star.]				The Evening and the Morning Star vol. 2 no. 21 (June 1834), 168 Editor: Oliver Cowdery Published in Kirtland by F. G. Williams & Co.
John Corrill: mob leaders continuing fear tactics	¶	The leaders of the mob are yet striving to keep up the same spirit of opposition, by instilling falsehoods into the minds of the people. They tell them that the "Mormons" are coming upon them, mob like, to kill their women and children.
Uproar in Jackson county		They raised an alarm a few days ago in which the whole county of Jackson was in an uproar; men riding in different directions and proclaiming, "the Mormons are coming,—they are now crossing the river—they are coming to kill, destroy," &c.
Women and children fled houses 200–300 men gather to fight Mormons Protect river crossings throughout county		Some women and children left their houses, and fled to the woods, and elsewhere, while the men, 2 or 300, gathered together, to oppose the "Mormons," as they supposed, in their return.
		They repaired to the different ferries, on the river, to guard them, and I have been credibly informed, that they have since continued to guard the river at the different crossing places, from one end of Jackson county to the other.
Burn all Mormon homes and blame it on the Mormons themselves		And for fear that we would return and enjoy our dwellings again, they set fire to, and burned them down, and then raised a report, that the "Mormons" went over and burnt their own houses.
		Several nights in succession were they in burning our houses, and I am informed, that they have burned them all, except a very few which are occupied by other families: and I have been told that they have destroyed our fences and other property that remained.
We were at home (in Clay county) Will return under governor's protection No need to surprise them		What was the cause of this great alarm among them, I know not; for we were at home attending to our own business, and had no thought of returning at that time. Neither have we any thoughts of ever returning in the night time, or in the mob like manner which they represent to the people: for as we design to be governed in all cases by the laws of the land, we shall therefore return under the protection of the Governor, as he has promised us. We therefore have no need to return and take them on surprise, as they falsely represent to the people; for we mean to act only on the principles of self defense in all cases.
Mob arming		But they state falsehoods to the people for the purpose; I suppose, of keeping their strength good, to oppose our return, which I understand they are determined to do, even to the shedding of blood; and it is said, by the mob, that the whole county is combined together. They are arming themselves, and they have distributed our guns among them.
Lucas, Childs, Hicks, Franklin, others leaving		But it is easy to be seen, that fear and consternation prevails among them; some of their leaders have already cleared out; Col. S. D. Lucas, has taken his goods and gone down the river; both the Childs have lately gone to the south, on a long visit; lawyer Hicks says, if no compromise is made, he shall seek a location some where else; and I have been told that L. Franklin is going away soon; some families, I have heard, are leaving through fear.				John was misinformed about Lucas Childs, and Hicks: Col. S. D. Lucas was one of two secretaries at the meetings of Jackson county citizens who resolved on July 20, 1834 that the Mormons must agree to move from the county and discontinue publication of the Star; and, when Bishop Partridge and W. W. Phelps refused to accept the ultimatium, resolved on July 23 to raze the printing office and "secure" the type and press. S. D. Lucas, Joel F. Chiles, Lewis Franklin, and Russell Hicks, along with Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Colonel Moses Wilson, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, and Gan Johnson constituted the citizens' committee that delivered the ultimatum. Henry Chiles and Russell Hicks were part of the committee that met with church leaders on July 23, 1834 to accept their agreement to leave the county.
200+ prepared to shed blood		As nearly as I can learn, the number that is determined to stand and oppose our return, even unto bloodshed, is about 150 or 200 in that county, though it is said, that many from other counties will come to their assistance.
Brethren preparing for self defense	¶	They are trying to excite the people of this county to drive us from here, and for this purpose, it is said, they are circulating a paper, and have got some signers; but the authorities of this county do not countenance them in this thing, and I think they cannot succeed; but it is said that they are lurking about and seeking a chance to do private injury, but the brethren are on the look out, and are preparing themselves with arms for self defense, and I think, that if we continue firmly to persevere according to the laws of the land, that we shall be enabled shortly to overcome the mob and obtain our rights.
	¶	Yours, &c.
	¶	JOHN CORRILL.
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