hed by the troops for
Gentile property. They succeeded in finding very much of the
Gentile property that had been captured by the Saints in the
various raids they made through the country. Bedding of every
kind and in large quantities was found and reclaimed by the
owners. Even spinning wheels, soap barrels and other articles
were recovered. Each house where property was found was certain
to receive a Missouri blessing, that is to say, the torch, from
the troops.

The men who had been most active in gathering plunder had fled to
Illinois, to escape the vengeance of the mob, leaving their
families to suffer for their deeds. By the terms of the treaty
all the Mormons were to leave Daviess County within fifteen days,
but they were allowed to stay through the winter in Caldwell
County; but all had to depart from Missouri before the first day
of the next April. There were but a few families that met with
the kind treatment that mine did. The majority of the people were
censured and persecuted as much as they were able to stand and
live.

In justice to the Prophet Joseph I cannot say that I ever heard
him teach or even encourage men to steal little things. He told
the people to wait until the proper time came to take their
rights.

"Then," said he, "take the whole State of Missouri like men."

When the people at Adam-on-Diamond had signed the treaty and
complied with the stipulations, the committee of twelve commenced
their duties. When it came my turn to receive the property
necessary to take me out of the State I was told to fit myself
out comfortably. I told them that I had a wife and one child;
that I had two good wagons, one a heavy one-horse wagon, with
thills, and that I had a large mare which was equal to a common
span; that the mare and wagon would do me. I wanted some bedding
and our clothing, and some other traps of little value. I had a
good milk cow that I wished to give to a friend who had lost all
his cattle. His wife had died a short time before, leaving a
little babe that must have milk. I told them they could take the
rest of my property and do with it as they did with that of the
brethren. I was worth then in property, at a fair valuation, four
thousand dollars.

The officers were astonished at me, and said they did not, wish
to oppress a man who acted fairly. They told me to take my large
wagon and two of my best horses, and all the outfit that I
wanted. I thanked them for their kindness. I was p