“June 1841 My Dear Sir. Before this reaches you— I have no doubt you will have heard of the trial of Joseph Smith: familiarly known as the Mor[HC 4:380]mon Prophet. As some misrepresentations have already gone abroad, in relation to decision, and the merits of the question decided by the ; permit me to say the only question decided, though many were debated, was the validity of the executive writ which had once been sent out, I think in Septr. 1840, and a return on it that Mr. Smith could not be found. The same writ was issued in June 1841. There can really be no great difficulty about this matter— under this state of facts. The acquitted himself handsomely, and silenced clamors that had been raised against the Defendant. Since the trial I have been at on the , in Illinois, and have seen the manner in which things are conducted among the Mormons In the first place I cannot help noticing the plain hospitality of the Prophet Smith, to all Strangers visiting the , aided as he is, in making the stranger comfortable by his excellent , a woman of superior ability. The people of the appear to be honest and industrious, engaged in their usual avocations of building up a town, and making all things around them comfortable. On Sunday I attended one of their meetings, in front of the , now building, and one of the largest buildings in the . There could not have been less than 2.500 people present, and as well appearing as any number that could be found in this or any State. Mr. Smith preached in the morning, and one could have readily learned then, the magic by which he has built up this society, because as we say in — “they believe in him”— and in his honesty. It has been a matter of astonishment to me, after seeing the prophet as he is called; and many other gentlemanly men, any one may see at , who will visit there; why it is, that so many professing Christianity, and so many professing to reverence the sacred principles of our Constitution, (which gives free religious toleration to all,) have slandered, and persecuted this sect of Christians.”