Jackson County Negotiations (1834)

Mormon History 1830-1844

Jackson County Negotiations (1834)


On June 16, 1834 several hundred persons assembled at the Clay County courthouse in Liberty where Samuel C. Owens' delegation from Jackson County proposed that either the Missourians buy out the Mormons, or the Mormons buy them out §. The initial Mormon response § and reasons for rejecting the offer §. Sheriff Cornelius Gillium's report of his visit to Zion's Camp and Joseph Smith's counter-offer §; and statement of the local Mormon negotiating team §.

		"Propositions of the people of Jackson county to the Mormons"	MH-A, 491–493.
[June 16, 1834] Offer to purchase Mormon lands and improvements	¶	The undersigned Committee, being fully authorized by the people of Jackson county, hereby propose to the Mormons. that they will buy all the land that the said Mormons own in the county of Jackson; and also, all the improvements which the said Mormons had on any of the public lands in said county of Jackson, as they existed before the first disturbance between the people of Jackson and the mormons, and for Such as they have made since.	MH-A, 491–493.
Market value set by arbitration	¶	They further propose that the valueation of said land and improvements shall be ascertained by three disinterested arbitrators to be chosen and agreed to by both parties.
		They further propose, that should the parties disagree in the choice of arbitrators, then [a series of dots] is to choose them.
		They further propose, that twelve of the Mormons shall be permitted to go along with the arbitrators to shew them their land and improvements while valueing the same, and such other of the Mormons as the Arbitrators shall wish to do so, to give [492] them information, and the people of Jackson hereby guarantee their entire safety while doing so.
Payable within 30 days		They further propose, that when the arbitrators report the value of the land and improvements, as aforesaid, the people of Jackson will pay the valuation, with one hundred per cent. added thereon, to the Mormons. within thirty days thereafter.
Mormons never to return	¶	They further propose, that the Mormons are not to make any effort, ever after. to settle, either collectively or individually. within the limits of Jackson county.
Bonds		The Mormons are to enter into bonds to insure the conveyance of their land in Jackson county, according to the above terms. when the payment shall be made; and the committee will enter into a like bond, with such security as may be deemed sufficient, for the payment of the money, according to the above proposition.
	¶	While the arbitrators are investigating and deciding upon the matters referred to them. the Mormons are not to attempt to enter into Jackson county, or to settle there, except such as are by the foregoing propositions permitted to go there.
Or people of Jackson will sell to Mormons on same terms	¶	They further propose, that the people of Jackson will sell all their lands, and improvements on public lands, in Jackson county, to the Mormons,—The valuation to be obtained in the same manner—the same per cent in addition to be paid—and the time the money is to be paid is the same, as the above Set forth in our propositions to buy—the Mormons to give good security for the payment of the money, and the undersigned will give security that the land will be conveyed to the Mormons.
		They further propose, that all parties are to remain as they are till the payment is made, at which time the people of Jackson will give possession.
		[Signed] Samuel C. Owens, John Davis, Thomas Jeffreys, Richard Fristoe, Smallwood Noland, Thomas Hayton Sen. Robert Rickman, Thomas Campbell, Abraham McClellin, S. V. Noland.	On Owens and Fristoe in the events of July 1833 episode, see ¶ Missouri Persecutions (3).

Anti-Mormon speeches Doniphan responds	¶	On presenting the foregoing, Samuel C. Owens made a flaming war speech. and Gen Doniphan replied on the side of peace. The Rev. Mr Riley, a Baptist priest, made a hot [493] speech against the Mormons, and said “the Mormons have lived long enough in Clay county; and they must either clear out or be cleared out.	Jackson history, 262] After the reading of this proposition, its adoption and enforcement were warmly endorsed by Mr. Owens, … and were met and opposed by Gen. Doniphan. Rev. M. Riley, of the Baptist church, urged the expulsion of the Mormons, stating that they had "lived long enough in Clay county; and they must either clear out or be cleared out. Mr. Turnham, the moderator of the meeting, answered this speech, counseling moderation, saying, among other things, “let us be Republicans. Let us honor our country and not disgrace it like Jackson county. For God’s sake don't disfranchise or drive away the Mormons. They are better citizens than many of the old inhabitants.” This expresion was indorsed by Gen. Doniphan. Considerable excitement ensued, during which a quarrel occurred between some parties outside the door, in which one Calbert stabbed another man by the name of Wales. …
Moderator urges calm, praises Mormons		[Judge Joel T.] Turnham, the Moderator of the meeting answered in a masterly manner; saying. “let us be republicans. let us honor our country. and not disgrace it like Jackson county. For God’s sake don't disfranchise or drive away the Mormons. They are better citizens than many of the old inhabitants.”
Doniphan: Mormons should fight	¶	Gen Doniphan exclaimed, “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.”
Tumultuous ending	¶	At this critical instant, the cocking of pistols, and jingle of implements of death, denoted desperation. One motioned, “adjourn;” another “go on,” and in the midst of this awful crisis a person bawled into the door “A man Stabbed.” The mass instantly rushed <out> to the spot, in hopes, as some said. that “one damn’d Mormon had got killed;” but as good luck would have it, only one Missourian had dirked another; (one Calbert, a blacksmith. had stabbed one Wales, who had previously whipped one Mormon nearly to death, and boast of having whipped many more.) The wound was dangerous and as if the Lord was there, it seemed as though the occurrence was necessary to break up the meeting without further bloodshed, and give the saints a chance to consult what would be most adviseable in such a critical instant,
		and they immediately penned the following answer to the propositions from Jackson county, presented by Owens, &c.

Will submit proposals to church Desire peace	¶	Gentlemen:—Your proposition for an adjustment of the difficulties between the citizens of Jackson county and the mormons, is before us; and as explained to you in the court house this day. we are not authorized to say to you that our brethren will submit to your proposals: but we agree to spread general notice. and call a meeting of our people in all, the present week, and lay before you an answer as soon as saturday or monday next. We can say for ourselves, and in behalf of our brethren. that peace is what we desire and what we are disposed to cultivate with all men: and to effect [494] peace, we feel disposed to use all our influence, as far as it would be required at our hands, as free born citizens of these United States.	Jackson history, 262 cont.] Pending the restoration to order, Messrs. Phelps, McClellin and others consulted together and replied to the proposition, that they were not authorized to acced to either set of the terms submitted, but that they would give general notice; and that such answer should be placed in the hands of Judge Turnham, moderator of the meeting earlier than the day mentioned if possible; assuring Mr. Owens and others of the Jackson committee that there was no design to open hostilities upon the people of Jackson or other counties. They further pledged themselves to prevent any of their brethren coming from the east from entering into Jackson.
Will not initiate hostilities		And as fears have been expressed, that we designed to commence hostilities against the inhabitants of Jackson county, we hereby pledge ourselves to them, and to the hospitable citizens of Clay county, that we will not, and neither have designed, as a people to commence hostilities against the aforesaid citizens of Jackson county. or any other people.
	¶	"Our answer shall be handed to Judge Turnham, the chairman of the meeting, even earlier than the time before stated, if possible.
	¶	(Signed) W. W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, William E. McLelin [McLellin], John Corrill, Isaac Morrill [sic, Morley].
Will ask Zion's Camp to stay out	¶	N. B. As we are informed that a large number of our people are on their way, removing to Jackson County. we agree to use our influence immediately to prevent said company from entering into Jackson county, until you shall receive an answer to the propositions aforenamed.”

Jackson intent	¶	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 one hundred per cent, in 30 day: 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 them of nearly every thing, it will be readily seen that they were only making a sham to cover their previous unlawful conduct;
		but the tempest of an immediate conflict seemed to be checked, and the Jackson Mob to the number of about fifteen, with Samuel C. Owens and James Campbell at their head, Started for Independence, Jackson county. to raise an army sufficient to meet me before I could get into Clay county.	For events following the meeting, see ¶ Zion's Camp: Missouri.

Mormons reject offer		On June 21, Mormon leaders notified Samuel C. Owens and his committee of their final decision:	MH-A, 498. Jackson history, 262 cont.] Messrs. Philips [sic, Phelps] and Gilbert submitted to Mr. Owens and others of the Jackson committee a reply dated June 21st, 1834 stating that they had consulted with their brethren, as agreed to, and were authorized to state that the propositions as made to them on July 16th could not be acceded to. In the same communication they gave the assurance that there was no intention on the part of themselves or their brethren to invade the County of Jackson in a hostile manner.
	¶	Clay co. 21st June. 1834.
	¶	Gentlemen:—Your propositions of Monday last have been generally made known to our people, and we are instructed to inform you that they can not be acceded to.
	¶	Honorable propositions to you are now making on our part and we think we shall be enabled to deliver the same to you the early part of next week. We are happy to have it [in] our power to give you assurances that our brethren here, together with those who have arrived from the East, are unanimously disposed to make every sacrifice for an honorable adjustment of our differences that could be required of free citizens of the United States.
[Joseph] negotiating to calm tensions	¶	Negociations at the Camp are now going on between Some gentlemen of this county and our brethren which are calculated to allay the great excitement in your County. We are informed that the citizens of Jackson entertain fears that our people intend to invade their territory in a hostile manner. We assure you that their fears are groundless such is not, and never was our intentions.	Jackson history, 262 cont.] By this uniting, immediate connflict seemed to be averted, and the Jackson county committee returned by way of the ferry where now is the Wayne City landing.
	¶	([Signed) W. W. Phelps. W. E. McLelin [McLellin]. A. S. Gilbert. John Corrill. Isaac Morrill [Morley].
		To S. C. Owen and others of the Jackson Committee.

Mormon proposal	¶	This day [July 2] the “Enquirer” <published> the correspondence between the sheriff [Cornelius Gillium] and the camp of the 22nd of June as follows:	MH-A, 509–511.
	¶	"Being a citizen of Clay county, and knowing that there is considerable excitement amongst the people thereof: and also knowing that different reports are arriving almost hourly: and being requested by the Hon. J. F. Ryland to meet the mormons under arms, and obtain from the leaders thereof the correctness of the various reports in circumstance: the true intent and meaning of their present movements, and their views generally regarding the difficulties existing between them and Jackson county: I did in company with other gentlemen, call upon the said leaders of the Mormons; at their camp in Clay County; and now give to the people of Clay county their written Statements, containing the substance of what passed betwe[e]n us.” (Signed) “Cornelius Gillium.”
		[510] Propositions, &c. of the mormons."
	¶	Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp in clay county. to ascertain from the leaders of our men. our intentions views and designs, in approaching this county in the manner thadt we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request. because we are called upon by gentlemen of Good feelings, and who are disposed for peace and an amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of Jackson county.
		The reports of our intentions are various and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance, one report is. that we intend to demolish the printing office in Liberty: another report is that we intend crossing the missouri river on Sunday next, and falling upon women and children and slaying them:
		another is that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East. that had closed business:
		also that we carried a flag, bearing peace on one side and war or blood on the other: and various others too numerous to mention:
		All of which, a plain declaration ~~under our hands~~ of our intentions from under our <own> hands, will shew are not correct.
	¶	In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostilities against any man or set of men. It is not our intention to injure any man's person or property. except in defending ourselves.
		Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen who will be able to describe it.
		Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment.
		It is our intention to go back upon our lands in Jackson County, by order of the Executive of the State, if possible.
		We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self defence. as it is well known to almost every man of the State that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence. considering the abuse we have suffered in Jackson county.
		[511] We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us. upon honorable and constitutional principles.
	¶	We are willing for twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth who cannot live with us in the county; and they shall have their money in one year; and none of the mormons shall enter that county to reside until the money is paid.
		The damages that we have sustained in consequence of being driven away. shall also be left to the above twelve men.
		Or they may all live in the county, if they choose, and we will never molest them if they let us alone, and permit us to enjoy our rights.
		We want to live in peace with all men, and equal rights is all we ask.
		We wish to become permanent citizens of this State. and wish to bear our proportion in support of the government, and to be protected by its laws.
		If the above propositions are complied with, we are willing to give security on our part: and we shall want the same of the people of Jackson County for the performance of this agreement.
		We do not wish to settle down in a body. except where we can purchase the lands with money: for to take possession by Conquest or the shedding of blood. is entirely foreign to our feelings.
		The shedding of blood we shall not be guilty of. until all just and honorable means among men, prove insufficient to restore peace
		(Signed) "Joseph Smith, Junr, F. G. Williams, Lyman Wight. Roger Orton, Orson Hyde, John S. Carter."
		To John Lincoln, Geo. R. Morehead
		John Sconce. James H. Long. James Collins

Counter offer	¶	[June 24, 1834] We the undersigned committee, having full power and authority to settle and adjust all difficulties matters and differences existing between our people or society and the inhabitants of Jackson county upon honorable and constitutional principles:	MH-A, 504–505.
		Therefore, if the said Inhabitants of Jackson county will not let us return to our lands in peace;—
Twelve arbitors		we are willing to propose firstly: that twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by our people, and six by the inhabitants of Jackson county: and these twelve men shall say what the lands of those men are worth in that county who can not consent to live with us, and they shall receive their money for the same, in one year from the time the treaty is made, and more of our people shall enter the county to reside till the money is paid.
Damages		The said twelve men shall have power also, to say what the damages shall be for the injuries <we have> sustained in the destruction of property and in being driven from our possessions, which amt of damages shall be deducted from the amt for their lands.
		Our object is peace and an early answer will be expected. (Signed) W. W. Phelps [505] Edward Partridge, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, A. S. Gilbert
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