1^st

Being one of two living witnesses for the saints I feel compelled by a sense of duty to the dead and his family – to the saints in Utah & throughout the earth to testify of what I have seen and heard of the last days – death and burial of the “Beloved Parley”.

<On the 6 of May> I was journeying with my children through the Creek Nation west of the state of Arkansas when McLean (the murderer) met us.

We were in alone wagon owned and driven by a man who was not a Mormon.  He had a wife and three children; and was in route from Texas to Nebraska.  It was about the middle of the day, when the D . . . . – on horseback accompanied by one other man rode in front of our wagon.  The scene that was then and there enacted, could be seen, and felt but never described.  Had a raging beast came and draged my lambs to his den, the shrieks of anguish and despair could not have been exceeded – yet there was no mercy!  He dragged them out of the wagon – threw one on each horse in front of their saddles; and with fearful speed they disappeared in the distance.  And the last I heard of my darling children was their cries of unmingled despair as they were borne from my sight by the unrelenting tyrant!

In about three hours after the above scene I was arrested by a man styled the “State’s Marshall” upon a charge of Larceny of clothing belonging to Albert & Annie McLean to the amount of ten dollars. (10 $).

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In the same charge there was three other names read “Parley P Pratt, James Gammell, & Elias J. Gammell.  There was with this Marshall the same man who was with McLean, whom they called Perkins.

They took me to a kind of hotel in the indian town (‘North Fork’) kept by an Indian named John Smith, where I saw on the gallery twelve armed men who appeared to be in a state of great excitement.

They put me in the lanlord’s private room where I slept that night (or pretended to) in a bed with his daughter a girl about 18 years old, the parents sleeping in the same room.  This Indian was a noble looking man, tall and powerful looking and his wife a lady like person in her appearance and manner.  They appeared to be of a different <spirit> from the ruffian crowd that lodged in their house that night.

Next morning they put me on a horse and the crowd set off all on horseback at an early hour.  When we had rode I suppose fifteen miles, I being in the special custody of “the Marshall” he asked me if I would like to see Mr. Pratt!  I replied, “Not in tribulation such as I am in. “He is a good man, and I know his family and would be sorry to see him as a prisoner!  “Is he in this part of the country”, I inquired.  “Well he’s not but 5 miles from here” was the answer.

This was the first intimation I had that Mr. P was in that country. I asked the Marshall if he was going to arrest him. He answered, I am

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bound to if I see him.

We rode until noon and stopped at an Indian house for dinner.  While at the table I saw that the excitement greatly increased and the number of men increased.  They brandished their weapons, rode to and fro, and spoke to each other in a subdued voice, as if planning some fearful and deadly combat.  But few attempted to eat. The Marshall however stayed close to me, and when ready to mount our horses, I saw McLean (who had the children in a carriage at a distance from the house) commit the lines to another person, put on an extra ruffian “a sword handed him by a man on horseback examined his pistols ect –  Just then the Marshall said to me,  “They have arrested Pratt, and McLean is determined to kill him, but he shall not do it while he is a prisoner: I told Cap Little of the millitary to protect him, and McLean shall not molest him while in my custody”.

We were soon upon our horses and in about ½ mile from the house came in sight of the millitary troops, who had arrested Mr. Pratt.  As I we drew near I saw the man of God upon the ground. He lay near a stream of water in a beautifuly green spot, with his hand under his head.  He looked like a man who had stopped to rest in a shady place while his horse was grazing might graze.  His calm penetrating look as he lay viewing the crowd around him, formed a stricking contrast, with the pale trembling being fiendish looking being, who were a perfect person if [unreadable]  fear, hate, & guilt.  There was Cap Little

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[line unreadable and crossed out] with a company of U.S. Soldiers. And there was many armed men beside – Indians and white men old and young, One old man I would not fail to name, he is about Mr Pratts size & age <,but fine complexion>. His name is Shaw. He is a Merchant in Fort Gibson, and of all crowd seemed to enjoy the most great triumph in what was being done, and I believe he is the man who handed McLean the sword to McLean (mark this where there is <a saint of God> Mormon abroad) .

One more <man> of that caliber I would describe.  The man Perkins (but I do not think his right name) He is of medium size, with heavy black whiskers, heavy eyebrows, and I think gray eyes.  The expression of his mouth is spiteful, and his eyes rather halo but his general being cowardly. This man charged round, and with a hateful grin of triumph said “That’s one of the Apostles!! “One of the Twelve”  “Now we’ve got somebody hav’nt we?”  Come down and see him!” He looks like a lion dont he?”

This man I believe to <be> one of the murderers of brother Parley and I could point him out amid thousands.  Yes I believe if there were two thousand upon a swift ride I could point him out and I ask my father in heaven for this priviledge when guilt is the mark to be fired at.  (let the hope of Israel mark this).

Well I was saying Parley <But to whom> the man of God lay free from all agitation, clothed in a clean blue check shirt and dark pants, and a fur cap. He looked in excellent health, and perfectly free from all agitation.

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The Marshall (Mr Shivers) asked me if I would alight, I said “Yes and if there is no objection I would like to speak to brother Pratt”. He replied, “None at all madam”.

I advanced towards him and when I drew near he rose to his feet and extended his hand  I said “How do you do brother Parley”. Very well madam how is your health?

“It appears we have come up prisoners together I observed.  I replied, “I am well in health, but that Demon who has been in my pathway these thirteen years has again crossed my way & he has torn my children again from me!  And he says I shall never see them again!”

“Well my sister never mind, these things are <all> in one short life time and life is but a speck of eternity and will soon be over”.

I then said “brother Parley I rejoice in one thing. Mormonism has taught me how to live and taken from me all fear of death and the grave. and I then raised my hand and my voice and <turning to the crowd> said now you Civil and military officers and soldiers you can only kill the body, and after that you have no power over the soul, do what you please I am as ready and willing to die as to live, that is my father’s business not mine.”

The Marshall then came forward and read the paper of arrest to Mr <bro> P.

Mr <Bro> P requested him to read some lines of it over a second and third time.

A man in the crowd then pointed to a young man standing near Mr Pratt and said “Marshall

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what are you a going to do with this fellow”?  The Marshall looked at him and said Why! What has he been doing”?  One answered “He’s a Mormon Elder and has been preaching here in the Creek Nation”!!  Another said, “and he was found with this man Pratt”!!  “Well” said the Marshall, “I’ll have nothing to do with him for I have no authority to arrest him, and if anything is done Capt Little of the millitary must do it for I will not.”  Capt L said “I’ll be blamed if I know what to do with him”.

They muttered and consulted a few moments and then one said to another (but it was neither the Marshall nor the Capt) “this man is your prisoner.”

They then told us all to prepare to ride. But I forgot to state that a tall Indian came forward and observed, “we allow men to preach in our nation. If this man is a Minister, he is at liberty to labor in our nation. I don’t see why you should take him prisoner!

The whole party were soon on their horses and then I first saw the rope around Mr. <bro> P.’s right ankle, and a man riding alongside to hold the coil of rope. It was a very large heavy rope and appeared to be the whole coil. It was now about 3 o’clock and we were put upon a forced ride of 25 miles to get into Fort Gibson that night. We had to cross the Arkansas river in a boat which took considerable time. It was twelve o’clock when we reached the Fort. Br P. and brother Higinson were put in the jail and a heavy guard of

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Soldiers set.  And I was taken to a boarding house I was so bruised and mutilated with the ride and McLean’s violence the day before, that I had to be lifted like an infant.  They kept us the following day (Friday) in the Fort.

The officers, mechants, & clergymen called to see me, and the Ladies sent me dresses and different kinds of clothing.  The merchants also told me I could have any thing I wished in their line.

They asked me many questions about <Utah &> the Mormons which I freely answered.  Carl Beckard asked me if I thought the Mormons could meet 8 or 10 thousand U.S. Troops.  I replied by an interrogation:  “Suppose you had 50,000 troops, in sight of an peaceful city, and the Lord God of Israel were to come out as he did anciently, and <say> stand there you can go no further, would you and the U.S. <Gov> acknowledge his authority?”  “Oh! Yes, we would acknowledge the Great Eternal”!  “Well, he is Brigham’s God and the god of the Mormons, and he has promised to defend his people, and if we are not his people we do not expect to stand;  But if we are his people <and the ancient Prophets are true> we know a remnant will be left, and that remnant will inherit the earth.  and before them no army kingdom or nation can stand.  One asked we if I thought Do you madam believe Brigham Young to have any power or authority more than other men?

Certainly I do!

Do you believe his is a prophet?

I know he is.

How do you know?  By the senses God has

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given me.  There is a green tree. I presume all you gentlemen will say that is a green tree.

Yes.

Then would you go from here and say that is not a green tree?

Of course not.

Then I cannot say Brigham is not a Prophet for I know he is the prophet of the Lord, just as certain as you know that is a green tree.

Well madam your faith is strong, but had you not better stay away from Utah untill the conflict is over?

No sir!  If that people die  I want to die and if that people live I want to live with them if it should be in the caves and dens of the earth. for a season till God has poured his wrath upon the nations.  Surely you do not think I wish to stay in this Land, where a woman’s own children can be torn from her, on account of her religious faith, and she dragged without mercy as a prisoner before the populace and the count, simply because she she dared to seek <for and to> retain her own flesh!

And then again how could an individual who has found a land of peace and virtue, where there is no swearing, drunkeness or houses of “Ill fame” prefer this Land that is full of vice of every name.

Well said the millitary officer there is eight or ten thousand troops on the way to Utah and I <think madam> you had better stay this side the mountains untill the fate of that people is decided.

The gentlemen apologized for crowding to see me, by saying they had never seen a Lady from Utah

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and felt interested to know how I felt about returning and the peculiar institutions of the Mormon people. I told them I was aware a living Mormon woman, who had lived to <been so fortunate as to> escape from Salt Lake <City> was a great curiosity, but they must not take me as a fair specimen for they had so nearly killed me that I could not be like myself.

I must ask pardon for this lengthy digression from the main subject. I felt that it was because I was a woman that I dared speak freely.

All this time the other prisoners were closely guarded in the jail, and all I know of their treatment I learned from a few remarks made by Mr <brother> Pratt during the <at one> time while we traveled as prisoners to the place of trial. He said he was really amused at the manners of the officers. They would at one time say they should not talk together and put them on opposite sides of the room, and then again they commanded them to sit near and they conversed freely.  Any thing it appeared to show their authority.

On Saturday morning they put me on the horse and started, but I fainted, and they found I could not go in that way. They then got a carriage and sent two soldiers to drive it. When we came out in front of a large building I saw brother Parley with a great chain on his right wrist and the same fastened to his left wrist — at this point I felt to curse those wretches in my heart, and asked my father in heaven to curse them even according to their deeds.

In this way we travelled over parched prairies all day

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only stopping to let the animals drink, and once perhaps half an hour to let them graze.

There was now only the Marshall and the two soldiers beside the prisoners. We travelled about two miles and when dusk stopped at an Indian house. <Crosly> Had a fine supper and all slept in one room. Before retiring Mr. <bro> Pratt proposed to the Marshall that he would give him his hat, boots, and coat if he would let them sleep without the chain to which the Marshall agreed, and all retired.  M P. and  H. in a bed and the Marshall and soldiers on in a bed on the floor, and I alone in a very nice bed. The man of God appeared very weary and his countenance heavy that night, and I do not believe he slept.

We started early next morning (Sunday) and travelled all day, and when it was dark stopped at a large Indian house. The Marshall & Soldiers waited to attend to the horses and sent us into the house.

As we passed into the room brother Parley said “Light has burst upon me and I am full I know this thing is all of the Lord, there will yet be dark spots in it, but it will work great things.  It is on account of the populace I am so caucious.

After we were seated he again said “about one hour since light burst upon me and I am so full of light and joy I can scarcely control myself.  “But” (in a low voice) we are in bonds”

After being scilent some time he said, “I feel like like a little child that is led by its father, it knows not whither; but is sure father will lead it right. I am as happy as I have ever been any day of my life.”

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When the Marshall came in he asked him a number of questions about Utah, and <H>e asked how the United States and Utah would rumage about poligammy?  And then it was apparent to all present that he was full of light.  The marshall removed the chain and he walked up and down the room and observed that liberty was sweet to a man when released from iron bands.  Brother Higinson made light of the chain, said some only wore bracelets on select occasions but they wore theirs every day; said he expected to wear a gold one next time.  I believe it did not give him physical pain, but it did chafe Mr <bro> P wrist and I think was really painful.  They had to sleep with it on that night.

Next morning started early and about noon arrived at Van Buren on the Arkansas river in the state of Arkansas, the place of trial.

As soon as we crossed the river the Marshall took the chain off Higinson and told him he was at liberty.

Bro Mr Pratt was taken to the jail and I before the Judge and Lawyers, in a large office.

At first the Judge (Ogden) was severe in his tone and manner, but when I had answered three questions, his voice changed from the severe to the civil and respectful.

He first said

“I suppose you understand madam that you have been arested upon a charge of Larceny”

“Yes Sir I know the charge, but it is false!

Well madam I suppose you will not deny

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that you were happy with Mr McLean while this man Pratt and Mormonism crossed your pathway?

Yes Sir.  I must declare that long years before I heard mormanism McLean drove happiness from our home by the use of <imbibing> that spirit that comes in bottles; and sir I was a mother I would fain have escaped the impending fate foreshadowed in the breath of a man who had learned to love wine, too well to more than he loves the happiness of the wife of his bosom.  And down through thirteen long years I suffered this blight, and at length he put me by violence into the street in a dark winter’s night in a wicked city, and I was compelled to seek shelter and protection in a public house.  And do you suppose <Sir> A woman consious of having done her duty as a virtuous wife and faithful mother could be induced to come again to the arms of that man?  No Sir.  It was not mormonism that desolated McLean”s house – But by long years that spirit that comes in bottles, prepared his heart and mind for deeds of desperation, and at last he found a pretext in my religion.  That was unpopular – and upon this ground he might treat his family with personal violence:– Thrust his wife into the street and lock the doors — Lend his children while yet infants upon the high seas to go Many Thousand miles without one friend they had ever seen.  And now it is no marvel that he is prepared, to tell a lie and swear to it – Imprison In<n>ocent persons, and drag them before an excited populace in a land where Mob Law, bids defiance to the constitution government, and the Civil Courts.

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I have no hope of justice in this land. Sir  If I had a chance, I could bring truthful testimony from the days of my childhood until the present moment, that I have lived a life of strict virtue, industry and faithfulness in the duties belonging to my station.  But I see no motive.  For after all the adopted cause of this government, would sanction my imprisonment and perhaps the shedding of my blood.  Because I will not deny what I know to be the truth of Heaven!

“Well Madam Do you acknowledge your father to be a truthful man?

Yes Sir.

Here then is a letter from him, which confirms Mr. McLeans statements.

I read “She was honored and beloved by her family and highly esteemed in the society in which she moved.  Mr. McLean went to Cal and by industry procured a home, sent for his family, and they were happy in San Juan until Mormonism, and its wiley Elder, began to throw their seductive influence about my unfortunate daughter!”

Well Sir, I will still say my father is a truthful man but honest <men> are often decieved.  And I claim in this matter to be the best judge.  In all the years to which he alludes, I was in McLean’s kitchen parlor, and bed room, while my father was at peace in the midst of his own household thousands of miles distant.  And if my husband came enraged or intoxicated to either neglect or abuse his family how could my father know it?  Not but a wife knows bedroom scenes; It is true <if> I had gone for my neighbors and brought them to see his lying

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with his head hanging nearly off the bed, one coat sleeve off, and the other on, one boot off and the other on, and the vomit over his boots and all richly perfumed with old Durham (or some other well known beverage that adorns the shelves of his fashionable saloon).  Then I might have hundreds of witnesses to what I now state.  But the opposite of this was my course.  I studiously concealed year after year the viper that stung clung to my <the> secret fibers of my soul.  He was not a man that drank or mingled much with his fellow men, nor did he often drink enough before leaving his place of business to betray to anyone, that he drank at all.

And I do not suppose any one but myself knew that left under lock and key the means of

But a copious draft just as he left, and then another out of his own secret bottle, before a 5 o’clock dinner, and then after dinner another; laid the strong man low.  <Yet> who but a wife could know of this state of things.  If he could not eat dinner, he was sick.  If he vomited it was because he was sick.  And the children pitied “pa” because he was sick!  And if a neighbor called he was excused on the same ground.

If a <The> wife <might> shed a million tears of untold bitterness when the setting and rising of the sun, and who could know it?  Could the husband who lay in the dead sleep of the inebriate, all these lonesome hours realize that she slept not had known no rest!  And when she stood beside <him>, at break of day with toast and tea to stay his stomach and clear his brain, so that no betrayal of his vice, might reach his business place or even the nearest neighbor!  Was there any witness?  When he enjoyed a refreshing morning’s nap, a good breakfast

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and sallied forth at 9 o’clock in a clean suit would any neighbor or friend suspect him?  And if he delivered a strong temperance such the following <temperance> might as grand worthy Patriarch of <of the Sons of>  order was there any to betray him?  Nea gentlemen, but I tell you God and the holy angels witness these things And before them I am clear as the morning’s sun.

The Judge then said, “I think Madam it is the mind of the District Attorney to release you as a prisoner and call you as a witness in this case.”

“Well sir I am in your power and you can do as you please.  But I hope to be protected from insult or personal injury.”

“Oh yes Madam, you will be taken to the best hotel and all your wants attended to, and no one shall molest you.

“Thank you Sir”

The Lawyers then asked me many questions about Utah, Particularly about the condition of the women.

“Are there not many discontented women there?

Yes, but I do not believe quite so many as there are here.

Well, don’t you believe they would leave there if they could, as were not prevented by Brigham Young?

Yes Sir I believe many would. Already many have left, and Gov Young has long since advertized his willingness, <not only> that they should leave, but that he will help them to get away.

Another said – I have read a sermon of Brigham Young in which he promises to set all his wives free.  Did you hear it?

No! I did not hear it, but I have read it, and I under

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stand it.

I <am acquainted with the family> know of Gov Young and I do not believe he has a wife, who could be induced by any position on the earth to leave him.  They have always been free.  As far as I understand his motto in this matter is, “let every woman do as she pleases. If she choose to work and assist in the great affairs of my family, great will be her reward.  If she prefers to fold her hands and take her ease, her reward will be according to her own choice.”

“But don’t they quarrel and have jealousies?”

I expect some do, but not more than one to ten of your women!  For since I have been here I do not remember meeting one woman in a hundred who is contented or free from jealousy.  And as to a man having but one woman, I have scarce heard of such a thing.  The difference in your customs & the people of Utah is in the fact that there every man who has a plurality of women has a plurality if he wishes and honors them as such, and the result is purity of life, and increase of healthy, and gifted children!

And does he marry the second and third and provide for and acknowledge them the same as the first.

“Certainly he dose”

And are they not at liberty to live as wives with other elders?

No Sir – not any more than your wife, and the penalty in case of transgression is understood, feared and respected

The women in Utah understand their position & they act from principle.  They are by no means perfect but the institutions under which they live are

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purifying and elevating; and “progress” is their motto.

 

“And suppose you were to transgress what then?”

“Why, I would lose my head that’s all!”

And have you never known one to transgress?

Yes, I heard of one instance (and only one) while I was there.

“And was the Law executed?”

“Not to its fullest extent. The man was permitted to leave the country never to return; and his victim pardoned because young and <comparatively> apparently innocent.”

But do you believe that Law will ever be executed?

“Yes, I do and I would certainly expect to lose my head, If I were to transgress. And I would rather die today than violate the sacred law of chastity.”

And is there no way for a woman to be released should she find herself unhappily connected?

Yes Sir, the power that sealed her can release her.  We do not consider her present state of things perfect The Law under which we are living revalation ing

We consider ourselves in a state of revolution, And we believe the Law of God in regard to Matrimony, will revolutionize and purify, untill it brings every man and woman to their proper place.  For how could there be perfect happiness where there is a want of congeniality?”

Well then if one man has sixty wives, how can justice be done to the 59 men who are left without a wife at all?”

I do not know gentleman that I can answer all your questions, But I can tell you that I do not

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believe there is  one man in every sixty now living on the earth worthy of one wife.  And a law would cease to be just when its granted to a man that of which he is not worthy. Suppose I were sent to heaven with a man like McLean, Do you suppose it would be heaven to me?  Would not his first impulse be to torment me – thrust me out – and send my offspring to some unknown region?

The Law of God we understand to be set for the happiness of our race. And if a Spirit comes forth upon the earth that is limited in its affections and desires – that has no disposition or desire power to <love> protect or provide for more than one wife and two or three children, would it be justice to force upon that contracted being more than one wife and two or three children?

And again if a noble spirit came forth that could not be satisfied short of a nation and kingdom of its own – A spirit that reached forth for enlargement and increase not only in this life but throughout eternity.  Could justice be done while that spirit was deprived the means of such enlargement and increase?

Which would command the most respect your Pres. standing alone without wife or child, our pres with a score of wives – fifty brave sons and many fair daughters – and suppose power were in [unreadable] Where would be your one wife & three children, when the Son of Abraham marched forth with his fifty brave sons, ready in a moment to execute the wile of their sins?

“O yes that would do very well if it were right!”

Then I ask who has made it rong. Has God at

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any time condemned Abraham or his sons for the size of their families?  Has Jesus or any of his Apostles condemned the family order of these ancient worthies?  Has any prophet foretold a time when Abraham or his seed would come into disrepute with the heavens on account of their order of Marriage?  If they have, I have searched in vain for it.  But they do go far into future ages; and describe the twelve sons of Jacob as set to keep the twelve gates of the everlasting city_.   And do you suppose these <loyal> porters will reject the Mormons because they have adopted the same order of Marriage <family organization> through which they <became heirs> came into from and by which they fulfilled to their promise, that their seed should be as the sand upon the sea shore?  Would they not rather question the legitimacy of the little man with his one wife and their children, who had not even a little to give these, beyond the grave?

“But does not the scripture say they will neither marry nor be given in marriage in the future world?”

Yes and that is the reason we are so particular to attend to these things here, and in a manner we know will make them secure for time and all eternity.

Then they asked me about angels, visions, & the power of healing.  And I told them their other prisoner could give them light on these things, and that our books contained full testimony as to the restoration of all these things!

“But he would like to know if you have ever seen such things?”

“I certainly have” and they are common amongst

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the people who are hid behind the rockey mountains.

“And why do they not send us books, that we might know also of these things?”

They have sent books, and many living witnesses too, but this they have been beaten, plundered & killed and at last the remnant driven far from the reach of all people, and now, if Angels come, and the dead are raised how can you know it?”  ? Why Jesus himself might come into his kingdom, and be with his people <in the tops of the mountains> for years and how could you know it?”

“I tell you gentlemen, that “despised people”, are learning the things of the eternal worlds, and teaching them to their children, and their real ways you know not of!”

“I read in your papers of a people called Mormons who are said to <be> very corrupt but I have never seen them, I can safely testify that they do not live in Utah, at <least> in the part <of Utah> I have been in!”

When they were satisfied questioning me, the <Judge> said “You will now Madam be taken to <a> hotel by a proper officer.  And at ten o’clock tomorrow I will send for you to appear before the court.

The Marshall (Mr. Thinius) took me to the Hotel, left by Mr. John P Smith, and told the Lady he wished me made as comfortable as possible.

I learned that McLean had the children on the opposite side of the river at one Major Eckels about two miles distant.

Next morning (Tuesday) A man came for me to go to the court house.

As soon as I was seated in the court the rabble rushed in of course eagre to see not only the Lady prisoner, but that much greater curiosity a

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living Mormon woman from Utah Salt Lake City!

I think I sat there as much as 20 minutes before Mr. Pratt was brought in.  He was accompanied by a large man about his age, who seemed to be acting as his friend (this mans name is Henry Wilcox) When Soon after this a lawyer came to me and asked  Do you wish council Madam?  I replied – Sir I am here without money, clothing, or friends but if if there is a gentleman in the court that will defend me and take his pay in Eternity, I wanted to employ that Lawyer!”

Well Madam I’ll be your friend.”

“Then the God of Israel will reward you!”

The Judge and the lawyers all seemed to be much excited.  The Judge attempted to write, but I think failed entirely.

After some time the Judge turned to me and said “Mrs. McLean the court finds nothing against you.  You can retire.”

I hesitated and said to him, “Judge I have been assured by the officers both civil and military, that here I would once see my children, and if this is the only place I may ever see them I wish to stay.”

“Well Madam you are at liberty: but not compelled to leave, you are no longer a prisoner!”

The lawyer who had offered to be <my> friend, came near and told me he thought it would be policy for me to retire, which I did.

I did not see McLean in the court nor did I hear any thing said to the other prisoner.  He looked weary but not sad.  He had evidently been without a chance

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to wash or refresh himself in any way, and I suppose he had a poor chance to sleep in the jail.  This was the last place I saw the “Brother <brother> Parley” alive”.

I heard in the evening that McLean read his charges against him, and when Mr. Pratt got up to reply McLean drew his pistol and pointed at him but was prevented firing by the officers holding his arm <and> saying to him, “You cannot do that in the court”.

While I sat alone in my room at the hotel that afternoon I was suddenly impressed with a feeling before unknown to me. The cruelty of McLean in tearing the children away against their wills – the coolness of the court, in dismissing me, after dragging me for days before an excited rabble, & the <unsafe> suspect  situation of Brother Parley surrounded by a mob without any means of defense, all came before me, and I knelt down and prayed three times the same prayer.  Which is embraced in the following paper written the same day.

To the Judge of the Court in the town of Van Buren State of Arkansas May 12^th 1857

Whereas, I have been arrested upon a charge of Larceny and dragged by civil & millitary officers, soldiers & armed ruffians before an excited populace and the court, only to be coolly told “You can retire Madam – we find nothing against you” and

Whereas my brethren, the Latter day Saints have been driven from this the Land of their birth, by

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mob law, leaving no hope of redress from the government or civil courts of this land, I now take an appeal to the court of heaven & lay my complaints before the judge of all the earth!  And

Whereas Hector A McLean has by a false oath in addition to long years of abuse of myself and children, rendered himself unfit for the society of all holy being, I pray God my Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ that he may wither from the Earth even as a green leaf fades before the blighting frosts of coming winter. And that he may go to his own place no more to oppress innocence or trample virtue under his feet.

And for my children I pray, in the name of Jesus, that they may be preserved from the vices of the world, — the powers of darkness, religious bigotry- personal violence– <disease> death until they are restored to one.– And for them I promise to prepare an eternal habitation; over which, evil men,– Demons, death hell and the grave can have no power, and into which they shall cause no more to go out forever!

And, for all my kindred who in thought word or deed persecute the saints of God I pray God to forgive them for they know not what they do                                 Eleanor

Late in the evening the real Marshall (Mr. Hays) called with bro Higinson, to inform me that Mr. bro Pratt was acquitted by the court and was only kept in the jail for his own personal

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safety, and would he let out at the first moment thought safe that might promise security from his enimies, either that night or the next morning.  Said the court had appointed the trial for 11 ‘o’clock next day on purpose to deceive McLean and afford the prisoner a chance to escape.

Wednesday morning 13^th May <about 9 o’clock>, was informed that Mr <bro> P had been released, and that McLean with two other men, was only ten minutes behind him –. And a few minutes later I heard that many men on horseback were in close pursuit, and that some had stated what they meant to do, which was to my mind far worse than death, and I prayed earnestly to my father in heaven that he would not suffer them to mangle the body of his faithful servant, and leave him to linger in pain in a land of strangers, and perhaps remote from the dwelling of any human beings. And I felt a confidence that such would not be the case.

I suppose it was about half <past> twelve when a lady in the hotel told me, news had come that they had shot Mr him all to pieces. <&> A little after another report that he was wounded but not dead. And in a few minutes more McLean with his party were drinking in the Bar room of the hotel in which I was, and very soon the Landlord (Mr Smith) came and told me he could not ascertain what they had done. Said he asked MacLean, “What have you done”? To which he replied, “Well I’s done a good work” and the demans, whispered, and winked at each other, but would not say aloud what they

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had done. One said “come now let us lynch her, twill not do to let her escape”  But Mr Smith checked him.  Said “how dare you speak in that manner in my house.  If any man attempts to molest that Lady while she is in my house, he must do it over my dead body, for I will protect her while she is under my roof, & that man that would so disgrace his kind as to suggest such a thing, had better not be seen again on my premises.

A few minutes more and McLean was crossing the Arkansas River which <flowed> immediately in front of the Hotel, and I went stood on the upstairs front galley and saw him alone in the boat holding his horse, and at the same time I saw the man Perkins in front of the bar room door, on a horse, and holding a horse apparently for some other man, and his countenance was more dark and fiendish looking than I could until that moment have conceived of.

Mr Smith came again to my room and said he felt assured they had killed Mr Pratt, said that McLean spoke to a man on the side of the street as he went to the boat; as follows “Sir if you will go out 8 or 10 miles on a certain road, you might do a deed of humanity” and then passed on.

I suppose it was an hour after all this when a man came from the scene of the murder, and reported that Mr Pratt was dead.  That he was killed near to a house, and that the man of the house saw all that was done.

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About dusk that evening the Marshall (Mr. Hays) came to my room and talked a considerable time. Said he regretted exceedingly the deed that had been done. That the tone of feeling in the place had greatly changed between the rising and setting of the sun that day. And there was a disposition to punish the murderers, not so much McLean as the citizens of Van Buren who were equally guilty.

I appealed to him to know if I could go to the dead body.  I told him I was the only person in that land who knew the murdered man and his family, and Said I “They are noble and faithful & pure & he was a faith servant of God – He was a mighty Orator & Poet – beloved by tens of thousands, and prized by his brethren as one of superlative worth – And shall he not receive the burial of a simple Saint of God?”

I asked him if he would protect brother Higinson and myself to go and clothe the body for the grave?

“Yes Madam you shall do any thing you wish to do, as far as my influence or protection goes.”

He spoke with apparent emotion of the quiet uncomplaining manner of the deceased.  Said he “I never saw a man like him!” And again when speaking of his manner when leaving <the jail> he said, “I never saw the like of it!”  And said he “our citizens know not of any evil he has done. and McLean failed to substantiate one thing against him. And it is my feeling that those two men who took part in the murder, shall suffer the part penalty of the law, for they were in no way agrieved.

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Many of the people feel that McLean was deeply wronged, and perchance they would clear him, but popular sentiment is against our citizens, who have aided in bringing this man’s blood upon <our> soil.”

“Ah! yes Sir, and it is innocent blood – you might have killed a million of men in this state and perhaps not have shed one drop of innocent blood. Tis the innocence of this man, that will give power to the cry of his blood, when it comes before the God of Israel. And tis better for the state of Arkansas <the horrid state> to have suffered seven years famine, than to have the blood of this man upon her soil!”

As agreed upon he came next morning with his carriage to take me to the place of the murder.  Mr. Smith came and told me there was about a hundred men gathered to see me come out.  I requested him to have the carriage driven in  the Alley that led back by the Stable, which he did & I was in, in a moment, and the Marshall drove out the back way, and escaped the crowd of idle gazers; who

He drove past his residence, and proposed that if it would be agreeable to me, a Lady, the wife of a Methodist minister would go along and drive the carriage, while he would ride with brother H on horseback. This was done, <and two friends of the man> and we rode along quietly over tough hills, through  wood land, and over a number of beautiful streams of water – and about the middle of the day came to the house where the dead body of the beloved brother Parley lay.

There was a great number of horses hitched to the

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fence and bushes, for it was a quiet forest place and but a small lot of ground cleared – and the house was a small log building, divided into two rooms, there being an area between, and a porch on the back of the building.  The direction of the road was north and the house on the right hand side.

We entered by the arena and through a door to the right, and there on our right, lay the body of the Man of God, upon a board.  He had on the same blue check shirt, but other pants, and the blood was still dripping from his side.  If he had been <on [unreadable] I should have thought [unreadable] and asleep.> There was a number of respectful looking  him  on a bed I should have thought him only asleep for the expression of his countenance was lifelike.  There was no rigidity or congealed look of the skin or flesh, and he was limber, and yet warm about his heart.  There was a great deal of blood on the floor and a vessel about two thirds full in the midst of it.

I have often thanked my God that I had never been called upon to witness a scene of human blood greater than a small wound on the hand or foot.  But now I was called to look upon a <crimson> vivid  flood that had lastly but yesterday filled the veins of one who was beloved by all who the lovers of virtue & truth, who ever knew him.

The grand jury were sitting around a table on the back porch, and there was a number of respectable looking women, apparently the mothers and their daughters, in the room.  And they all looked serious.  They all appeared to feel that a terrible thing had been done in their neighborhood.

A man who saw him die took me to the place

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and showed me the tracks of the horses, and the place where he fell, and then the spot where he breathed his last breath.

The man (Mr. Winn) living at the place, heard the approach of horses as he worked in his shop on the road side – ran to the door and stood and saw the men comeing.  His testimony read about as follows.  I saw a lone man comeing in the road and soon after three others, who appeared to be persuing the first man.  One rode in advance of the other two; increased the speed of his horse and was soon close upon the first man, and when nearly touching him fired.  The first man turned out of the road, <and> in a backward direction through the bushes, and the other after still firing until I heard the sixth ball.  Cannot swear that the one man fired all six.  By this time they were again in the road, and one of the other men had got in advance, and headed the first man round, and forced him into close collision with his persuer assassin, and then he aimed two blows at his heart with a knife.  They were now a little across the road, and I saw the man fall to the ground, and his horse stood off about the length of himself, and stood perfectly still.

The three men then rode away out of sight.  But in a few moments little time perhaps ten minutes one came back got down from his horse and placed a pistol I think nearly touching the man’s neck and fired; and then mounted his horse and rode away.

I did not go to the wounded man for I thought

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he was dead; I heard no noise nor did I see him move.  I got my horse and went for my neighbors which I suppose occupied an hour, When we came near to the man turned over and said. “Sir will you please give me a drink of water for I am very thirsty; and raise my head if you please. This we did and then I asked him, “What is your name? He answered “My name is Parley P Pratt”

“Who is your murderer?”

“He is one McLean

“Of what did he accuse you?”

“He accused me of taking his wife and children.  I did not do it they were oppressed, and I did for them what I would do for the oppressed any where!”

Did you see “Was there any persons with McLean?”

I saw persons other men but I do not know them.

Are you confident it was McLean killed you?

“Yes, he shot me here (pointing to his neck) and cut me here” (pointing to his side)

“Have you any family?”

“Yes, I have a family in Salt Lake City Utah Territory. And that is my home. My gold is in this pocket (pointing to his pants) and my gold watch in this and I want them with all my effects sent to my family in Salt Lake.  Write to a man the Mr Cronch Flint Post Office Cherokee Nation and let him have all my things to send to my family.”

This is the testimony of Mr Winn and several other men who stood near while the man of

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God lay bleeding and dying upon the ground

They consulted about sending for Doctors But he said, “I want no Doctors for I will be dead in a few minutes.”

I inquired if he groaned or appeared to suffer much? The answer was No! He lay still and complained of nothing but thirst and his last breath was like a man going to sleep.  This was the Language of Mrs. Winn in reply to my question.  She said she was by him the last half hour.

After he had been [unreadable] [unreadable] The place where he fell was near to a stump, and looked as though he might have struggled a good deal, for the leaves were nibbled from the ground and matted with the gore in a kind of circle, there was also a bunch of paper about as large as <a> common egg bloody on one end, and looked as though he had endeavored to stop the bleeding by putting this into the wound!  Oh!  My soul was it so that the “Beloved Parley” lay one hour alone bleeding & thirsty, without one wife or child or even a friend to raise his head or give him a drink of cold water, or to whom he could express his dying wish!  But miss him not for he is at rest.

He sleeps his last sleep, he has felt his last pain.

No mortal can wake him to sorrow again

He had crawled from the place where he fell about the length of himself, when the men came and he had evidently changed his purse and

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watch from his vest and coat to prevent them getting bloody.

His coat which was a thick heavy one of a blue black colour, hung on the back porch.  It was dreadfully bloody, and there was the [unreadable] of bullet holes six in a row around the shirt where it hung over the still of his saddle.  I don’t think the holes are more than three inches apart, and there was the rents made by the cursed knife one directly over the mark on the left side of his garments and precisely the shape of the mark on the garments. This one did not go through the lining of the coat but the other about two or three inches to the left of it, and about two inches long went direct to his heart.

He was cleanly washed and nicely shaved when we arrived, and there was lying on the bed near to him a handsome shirt and material for a shroud.

I requested brother Higinson to bring along out of his carpet sack a clean pair of garments and Mr. Smith of the Hotel at my request got the finest piece of linen to be found in the place, and brought it with him.

The Marshall got all the people out of the room when we had been there I suppose an hour. And I retired while the Marshall and bro H put the garments and shirt on and then I came in and brother H held the body up and I took the linen and commenced at his feet and rolled it around him to his

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arms. Then passed it under his left arm and from thence across his breast, under his right arm, and over his right shoulder and from thence spread the width of the linen to his feet.  Then looped it on his right shoulder with a ribband, and also slightly confined it round his feet by a ribband.  & he looked like a man in a beautiful robe; I was struck with the resemblance of this to the description of the burial of Jesus.  Did not Joseph buy fine linen, and roll the body of Jesus therin.  And did not the women follow after to see where he would lay him.  Then let no one who ever reads this accuse me an of  taking unlawful  too great love for this man for he was in his life, and in his death & burial like his Elder brother who died in the same cause 1816 years ago, and I have no doubt the enemies of Parley P Pratt will mourn when they come to realize what they have done.

When we had finished, the people crowded into the room, and a man who stood in front of the crowd/I think it was Mr. Winn) asked me if I had any knowledge of this man being an apostle.  I told him I had, and if there was any persons present who would wish testimony of the life and character of this man, I am a living witness.”  He said the people would be glad to hear, for they had heard that such men had power to heal the sick cast out devils &C,  as the Apostles anciently

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did!  Can you tell Madam if this man had any such power?

Yes!  I know he had – and if ever you read his history you will find many healings recorded which were done under the laying on of his hands.  One I well remember.  He had a vision, in which he saw a woman lying on her bed in a small house, pale and emaciated by deseace.  He saw the small house, and the fence in front and the well on the right side of the path leading to the door, and a voice said to him to arise and go to the place, and lay his hands upon the afflicted woman and pray for her, and she would be healed.  He arose obedient to the vision and went as directed: and when he came in sight he knew the place, although he had never seen it with his natural eyes.  There was the fence with one rail down, the path & the well, and when he entered the door he saw the woman on the bed, and she appeared glad to see him.  He talked with her and learned she had been unable to walk for years.  At this point his faith failed him and he turned away – /for at this time he had never witnessed a healing by the laying on of hands) but when he got to the door; she called him back, and said. “Sir if you will pray for me I will be healed”  He then had faith, and commanded her in the name of Jesus to arise & walk.  And she arose and dressed herself and cooked prepared something to eat, and the follow

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ing day she went and told her neighbors how she had been healed and they greatly marveled.

Now gentlemen when we were coming from the valley last year, we met a man going with a handcart company who came forward and stated that he was a living witness to this healing.

And although he had not seen Parley Pratt for many years (I think 20) he seemed overwhelmed with joy.  Now you may read the Bible many years and yet you will not find testimony equal to this – for here was two living witnesses to as wonderful a healing as any you read of.

And again I have myself seen this man lay his hands upon a woman who was sorely tormented, and was convulsed so that five persons could not hold her still-  And he commanded the evil spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ; and she was immediately relieved and got up, dressed, and went her way rejoicing.

I have also been healed myself under this man’s ministration.  I was coughing and spitting blood not long before I left California, and to all appearance I was going in a speedy consumption as all my Mother’s sisters have died; when I attended a fast meeting and asked brother Pratt to minister to me.  He declared in the name of Jesus that I should cough no more, but be made whole from that very hour, and, I have never since had a cough.  So now I  here before you a living witness that this murdered man was an Apostle and held the same keys of power that the ancient twelve did, and you have more

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proof of this fact, than you have of the power of any man of whom you have only read.

I am but one of many thousand living witnesses to the apostleship of this man whose innocent blood now stains your soil.  And I will venture to prophecy that the day is not far distant, when the people of the U.S. will realize the authority of this man and his brethren.  And they will know that he was a mighty prophet.  Our enemies do not realize that they increase the power of a man of God, an hundred fold by sending him into the spirit world.  And you who have taken care of this wounded body, will yet have cause to rejoice that this painful duty was your privilege.  For there is no act of kindness done to a man of this kind, but what will be recorded and had in remembrance before God and the Holy Angels, and the same will be the case with all the evil that has been done him or his brethren.

“Do you know how much family he had!”

I believe thirty souls – wives, sons and daughters who loved him, and honored him, and they are faithful noble ones; but they are poor in this world’s goods.  And now when they are expecting him to return with the means of comforting and <inspiring> them, they must hear of this bloody scene!

My soul sickens when I think of the infant train who ran whenever they saw him coming in the Garden walk, to see who would get the first kiss father – And then the smiling infants and their noble mothers who have toiled and suffered these many years, while their Lord has been travelling

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with<out> purse, or scrip, to preach the everlasting gosple to the nations. These all must realize that he comes no more.”

I remained untill it was late in the afternoon (the sun perhaps an hour high) when I was compelled to leave with the Marshall, being dependant on him for protection and means to get back to the town. The coffin had not yet come but I felt assured that all things would be as well done as the people could do <it>, and I have since learned from brother Higinson, that the coffin was a good one, and it was placed in a strong box, and buried deep in the ground in a graveyard one mile from the place where he fell. And there in that quiet forest place rests the body of the great the good The “Beloved Parley”.

“Peaceful be thy silent slumbers
Peaceful in the grave so low”
Tho you join not now our numbers.
Soon you’ll come again we know.

I returned to Van Buren to realize that I was alone.  Brother P dead – brother H – gone, and my children I knew not where, only they were in the power of the murderers – and my real kindred in the midst of the rocky mountains. And I thought of the widows and fatherless, After of my thoughts  <and a few of my thoughts> & fancied

I heard a wail from out a distant mountain home,
It crept around a lofty mountain’s rocky dome,
And ran along o’er hill, and stream, and grassy plain,
Until it found the grave of one but lately slain.

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It was the voice of wives and children wild with grief,
Who sought to heaven with prayers & tears for kind relief,
For they’d learn’d in a paper from a distant place,
The news that they no more could see a father’s face.

That in a land of lust profanity and wine,
Where once they dwelt beneath their native vine,
The father and husband had met the Martyr’s fate,
By the hands of friends surcharged with guilt & hate!

That when his heart was pierced, he fell upon the ground,
Where there was none to raise his head, or bind his wound,
And tho he lived for hours, he saw no faithful friend,
By whom he could his dying message safely send.

The wail increased, until it reached the Throne of God,
And Elohiem himself did take his mighty rod,
And said I’l cut them down and blot them from the earth,
Who’ve slain my prophets on the soil that gave them birth!

I’l send upon them “famine pestilence & war!”
And I’ll call my legions from the northern realms afar,
And they shall hunt them down in every land & place,
That’s stained with the blood of one of Joseph race.

The blood of Parley shall not long before me plead,
For wrath on him or them who did the hellish deed,
And ere it cease to cry, that nation shall atone,
For every widow’s tears & every orphans moan,-
And every drop of guiltless blood they ever shed,
Shall quickly come upon their own devoted head,
For I have once sworn by myself and by any throne,
That in the Book of life their names shall n’er be known!

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I was entirely without means to leave Van Buren. The Lawyers <&c> continued to call daily, and enquire when I expected to leave and where I intended to go, and I as often told them <that> I knew nothing on the subject as I was entirely in their power; being without any means of leaving. <or clothing>  They kept me in this suspense four days, and I know not their motive unless it were to give time to publish lies and send them abroad, before a truthful witness could be heard.

At length the District Attorney came and earnestly persuaded me to go to my parents in N.O.  Said my father was old, and feeble, and had come as far as he could to see me, but was compelled by sickness to return home. Said if I would pledge myself to go and see him means would be raised to defray my expenses, and said I, “I suppose if I do not go there, I cannot have means to go anywhere.”  “Oh yes we will send you from here.” But if you will go to your father the means <will> flow freely.”

So when I found they were resolved I should go that way, I promised to go providing they would furnish me enough of money to escape from there should I find myself in danger from the murderer.  I told them he thirsted for innocent blood and it was scarce, and that my kindred would seek to imprison me; if they could find nothing else they would call my religion insanity and as a sane jury could not be formed.  They would doubtless lock me up for years.

They however still differed with me, and I left Van Buren agreeable to their wishes for N.O.

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On Monday morning 18th May Marshall Hays called and handed me the following paper with the money enclosed.  And at the same time Judge Ogden and a Lawyer.

Judge Ogden said he had not called before, on account of so many people calling to see me, and he feared I would attribute it <to> vain curiosity.  Assured me he had no such feeling, but on the contrary, his sympathies were deeply enlisted in my behalf and he exceedingly regretted the disgraceful affair that had transpired in their midst.  Spoke with evident emotion of Mr. Pratt.  Said he, “I never saw a man like him, so quiet and uncomplaining and free from every feeling of revenge.  I told him he had better take his pistol and knife and defend himself if attacked, but he answered “gentlemen I do not rely upon weapons of that kind my trust is in my God!”  And “There was a number of gentlemen present, and he shook hands with us and mounted his horse” (the same he rode when taken prisoner) said “Goodbye Gentlemen” and rode off quietly like a man leaving his friends to go upon a journey.”

“And said he – “I told that man Maclean, to let him alone, that he had failed to prove one thing against him – that he had got his children and to be satisfied” and said he “I plead with him until 2 o’clock in the morning. I kept him in my office and talked with him, and told him I did not wish violence done to the prisoner, and I hoped he would not incite men to take his life.  And he said he did not wish any man to touch him, that that was a privilege he wished to reserve to himself.

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“And Major Eckels (at whose house he kept the children) told me <he> McLean walked the floor all the night he was at his house.  That he knew he did not sleep at all. I imagined his motive for talking all night with him:  “To keep him from breaking the jail Madam for he had his guard, day and night.  Lest we should liberate the prisoner, and we were affraid the mob would break the jail.”

He spoke a second time of Mr. Pratt’s manner, his death, and burial, and with increased emotion he observed, “I am doubly grieved, when I reflect that he was a Grand Master Mason!”  Yes said I “and not only so, he was a mighty man of God and this day tens of thousands of men women and children (not to name his numerous family) would fain bring their tribute of unsophisticated affection & gratitude. Which they feel for this manor And I know not of a nation where the news of his cruel death will not produce a sensation of grief and irreparable loss. For where he has not been the fire of his pen has kindled an flame unquenchable in the hearts of the looms of truth and light, in many lands.  And now that he should not have the burial of a simple saint of God is intensely cruel.

The Judge also spoke of the men who assisted McLean in terms of unlimited censure. Said they could not escape punishment, etc.

The Lawyer inquired, whether the Mormons would not avenge this man’s blood, even if the court did nothing!  “Ah! said I, you need have no uneasiness on that score.  If the murderers can feel secure in any nation under heaven, or any <upon any> island of the sea

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They are welcome to feel so. One thing I know McLean has to die and go to hell for what he has done, and every man who assisted him in this deed; And there is no redemption for them in this or any other world, save through the Priesthood keys of Priesthood some of which were held by P. P. Pratt in connection with his brethren of the same order.

I also observed to the gentlemen that I had composed a song on the death of P. P. P. and if they would indulge me, it would be a mournful consolation to sing it.  They said they would be glad to hear it, and I sang as follows

Come ye Saints and sing with me,
Of our dead and dear Parley, }Music “Vola Lee”
How he fell and how he bled.
How his precious blood was shed.

Chorus

Oh! Parley dear we loved you well
Yes more than mortal tongues can tell
And we know you’ll come again
With us to live with Christ to reign

In a land of crime and hate,
He has met the Martyr’s fate.
By the hands of one McLean.
His blood was shed but not in vain.

Six pistol Balls could not avail,
To make his holy vissage pale,
But a fierce and deadly knife,
Pierced his heart and claimed his life.

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Then from his horse his body fell,
Which did appease the child of hell,
And there he lay upon the ground,
With none to close or bind his wound.

When full an hour had passed away,
There came a man to where he lay,
“Bring water quick and raise my head,
For I will soon be with the dead.”

He then was asked who shed his blood,
Which then was flowing like a flood,
He answered that it was McLean,
Who pierced his heart and aft its vein.

And there he lay, & bled and died,
Of every wife and child denied,
And not e’en one faithful friend,
By whom he could a message send!

Oh! God of Israel let the cry,
Of Israel’s Parley’s blood come up on high,
And let his wounds before thee plead,
For wrath on him who did the deed.

I also read to the gentlemen the article I had written for the Arkansas Intelligence, and they craved it to carry to the Editor.  The Judge said, “I will see that every word of that is published, & if you wish any thing else published send to us, and it shall be done.  The Judge also handed me a 5$ gold piece, and went on board the boat and

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plead my case with the Capt, who gave me cheap passage down the Ark river to the Miss.

Mr. Smith of the Hotel who was all the time very kind to me; took nothing for my board, and accompanied me on board the the boat.  Introduced me to the Capt &c – It was about 9 o’clock A.M. when the steamer left Van Buren.

We were five days getting to the Miss river, and there was no lady on board but myself, and no female but the Colored Stewardess. The gentlemen appeared to be gamblers, and when we landed at Napolean I was aff afraid to go ashore, and felt unsafe on the boat.

I asked the special protection of the Capt who appeared to be a steady man.  I asked him to let me stay on his boat till I could get a boat down the Miss and to protect me from insult & injury  He said he would do so, but to the disgrace of human nature itself I must state that he grosely insulted me that same night, and I retired to realize that I was emphatically alone!!  So far as earthly protection was concerned he was one of those “fine gentlemen” who prate about the “Morals of Utah.”

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I handed him as I was leaving the following verses to which his conduct gave rise

Capt Elliot

I’ve been up and down in many a place,
Amid the sons of a degenerate race,
But ne’er before to me, was insult named,
Nor have I done aught of which to be ashamed.

My soul recoils with fear and dread alarm,
From him who would my sacred person harm,
For I’d rather a man should pierce my heart,
Than call me with pure virtue’s gems to part.

I ask my father in heaven to curse,
The man who by words, or acts, or his purse,
Seeks from me this priceless Jewel to take,
And what I ask, I ask for Jesus sake.

I saw your little ones so pure and fair,
With beauteous eyes, and skin and flaxen hair,
But I ne’er thought the father could descend,

To offer wrong to one, without a friend!

On board the S. H. Tucker                  Eleanor
May 22^nd 1857

The first boat going to N. O. was Queen of the West, and I got on board about dusk.  I was thankful for the change, for I was fearful all the time we were landed, that I might there encounter the murderers.

I had not been on board the Q of the West many minutes when a young man came and sat down near me in the Ladies Cabin, and made himself unpleasantly familiar

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with me, Said he would call around at my state room door if I would say when I would be there.  I told him he would not see me there at all – Surely I realized more than ever, that I was in the midst of a cursed people.  That man left the boat that night and I was thankful.

I made the acquaintance of an intelligent man and his wife who were Spiritualists, the name of Walker.  To them I divulged my peculiar situation and when I concluded not to go direct to N.O.  I sent a letter by Mr. Walker, to my father, and requested him to deliver it in person.  But not until he felt assured that the murderer was not there, and that I might come on in safety to N.O.

I stopped at Bayou Sara a few hours steam travel from N.O. and waited three days, unknown to any body, in hopes to hear either from Mr. Walker or my father.  I then felt I must go either up or down, for my purse would not admit of a longer stay at a hotel.  So I took a packet for N.O. without knowing any thing further.  I found in N.O. the house of an old friend, who welcomed me.  I took the steam cars the following morning and went into my father’s neighborhood; stopped at a Hotel, and sent the following note to my father by a colored boy.

My dear father

Agreeable to the earnest solicitations of the District Judge sc of the state of Arkansas, I have come to see you.

I saw a gentleman who <said> travelled with you on your way to Van Buren, and he told me you greatly desired to see me at least once more.

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My father my feelings towards you and my dear mother are unchanged, and I feel a desire to see you.  But I do not wish to encounter McLean.  Will you call to see me or answer this immediately, for I cannot remain on expense long. I am entirely alone, and my heart is desolate.

Untill 11 o’clock you can see me at the Carrolton Hotel, and at 11 Gravier St from 4 to 5 P.M.

Your daughter

Eleanor

The boy returned with the following answer.

“Cannot see you this morning, but perhaps will meet you this afternoon at the place suggested.

Jas. S. McComb

I went at the time appointed to 11 Gravier St, and enquired if J.S. McComb had been there, and was told that he had, and left word he did not wish to see me.  When I was leaving I met at the door my brother in law Dr. Cambell, who was residing with his family in my father’s house.  He assured me he had come as a friend.  Said, “Eleanor whether you can believe it or not, I am here, and your friend. When your father came home and said he would not see you, I told him I would see you!”

I conversed freely with him, and when we parted I felt assured he was my friend.

He came to see me a number of times. Once he brought me the following note from my mother

O Eleanor once loved daughter.  I am stirred up to know my duty.  Bury all your wrongs and come as a little child to God and your parents

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and you will be rec’d.

Your mother

I replied

“My own dear mother

I am this day in the hands of my father in heaven like clay in the hands of the Potter, and he can do with me, what seemeth him good in his sight.

I have up to this day acted according to the best light I could get, and there is no action of my my life that I fear to meet at a tribunal of unfallible justice.

If my earthly father and mother cannot see me, without I deny my faith – so I turn to those who are willing to be my father, mother, sister, brother, son daughter &c and there is no relation in life that I will long be deprived of, whether living or dying, “all is well”! If this be my last words to her who bore me, let them be “all is well”! and I am content with my father’s will.  Amen

May 31^st 1857                                                                                                 Eleanor

Dr Cambell said my sister (his wife) wished to see me, and would come, but owing to sickness of herself and her children, she failed to come.

I waited four days, affording them an opportunity each day to see me, but they came not, neither did I feel at liberty or safe to go to my father’s house.

The day before I left, I learned that my oldest brother David McComb had come from Memphis, Tenn Empowered by McLean to act as his agent, and have me arrested upon a charge of insanity.  That he

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had made oath before the court that I was a maniac, and the papers were in the hands of the Sheriff for my arrest.

I went to the private residence of Randall Hunt an eminent lawyer in the city, and Laid my case before him, and asked his council.  He listened to my story, with apparent interest, and without interrupting me with one question, until I got through.  He then said “Well Madam I have listened to your story with intense interest, and as you have told it to me, it is one of thrilling romance, such as I have seldom met heard. And if you will  can tell it in the court correctly, and with the degree of eloquence with which you have related it to me you need no lawyer, and they will fail entirely in the charge of insanity.  But Madam I would not undergo the annoyance of a trial, for after all they might send you to the asylum a few months to see whether you are sane or not.  I’d take the wings of the morning, or the wings of the evening and hie me away to the people land of my choice <and the people that I love>  and land where I could be at peace.

I concluded to take his advice and the following evening found me on the bosom of the father of waters, with my face northward.

At Bayou Sara I found the following notes in one envelope.  I read first from my father

Greenville May 27^th/57

Eleanor

You have once deceived me when it was your fault, it will be mine if you do it again.  I cannot consent to see you. As you have chosen

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the saints!!!  for your companions, I advise you to go to the Saints !!  But I warn you and emissaries to keep away from my premises, as I am prepared and determined to give them a warm reception, if they intrude-

The moment you accepted the name of Mr. Pratt you cut the last cord of sympathy that bound me to you, and inflicted a wound which nothing short of the most thorough demonstrations of repentance can ever heal

Jas. S. McComb

Next I read as follows

“New Orleans Rather”

Greenville May 27^th 1857

The writer is a friend of your father’s family and the enclosed letter having been handed me to put in the office I have concluded to accompany it with a line that may be of some service to you.  Which simply is that you had better keep away from this place!  You have brought sorrow, suffering, shame &disgrace into your family here and your history is fully known. The community are aroused and steps are being taken by which you will not receive as comfortable quarters as you may desire should you make yourself known in or around N.O.  The minds of our people are about as greatly excited as those in the region you have lately left, and if that tool of yours who delivered your note to the Old Gent today (after primping him awhile) can be yours tomorrow it is very uncertain whether he will ever reach the land of the saints in safety- “a word to the wise &c”

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your children are not here, nor will they be here, nor will you ever hear of them again.  unless you cross a wider ocean than you have yet navigated-

Hoping you may find comfort & safety in the harem of the Prophet

I am yours &c –“Adviser”

Lastly from my mother I read- Sir note page 51

[inserted note from separate page]

Note  —  51

“Eleanor my own loved daughter – hard as it is I never wish to see your face while you call yourself a morman.  Oh!  how many sleepless nights you have caused us and I could my pollow tell the tale, how I have prayed that the Lord would give me you a new heart.  For if I did not believe he formed or turned this world into matter, I would not believe he could change your heart!” [end of note]

It will be remembered that when I read these threatening letters, I had been to N.O. and made “Myself known in and around that city”, and heard from my children!  So much for the Prophecy of my “Adviser”

I travelled in the midst of a gay crowd, but none knew me.  I felt rather embarrassed by my great lack of clothing to appear like myself or any other Lady of common gentility But I believe I was generally taken to be  some unfortunate Lady whose history was matter of curiosity but none ever turned to inquire.  One beautiful and intelligent Lady seemed to feel either great interest or sympathy for me.  She inquired, “Are you writing a book Madam?”   I replied “Perhaps what I write may find its way into some book, for it sometimes happens that the history of the humblest  individual lends romance to  some noted book.”  “Are you fond of romance madam?”

“I never read it except as it occurs in my own history.  That is romance enough for me.” Do you write poetry?  “A few verses sometimes.”  This perhaps gave use to the impression amongst the Lady passengers that I was an “Authoress”.  And perchance they thought my style of dress only an excentricity of common occurence amongst

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Rhyming Morelists. Be this as it may I took no pains to undecieve them. I kept my state room most of the time, and spent the lonely hours either in writing or sleeping. Between break of day and sun rise you might have seen the Lone “mysterious, woman walking up and down on the guards or back of the Ladies Cabin; and if the things passing in her mind at such times had been divulged, doubt- less her insanity would have been apparent to all on board.  But her insanity <disease> was of that peculiar cast, that reserves the things that would betray its existence, in places when advantage would <might> be taken, and liberty curtailed.

When the boat was about landing at St Louis I dropped the following verses in the state room of the lady above described.

Thou young and beauteaus creature,
There’s love and joy in every feature.
Of thy charming face.
Ther’s kindness written on thy brow,
That [unreadable] fine hearts, I scarce know how,
To love and bless thee.

And I have thought to tell my story
But I knew t’would make you sorry
For this one of mine
Tis one of pain & death & guilt
Of innocent blood but lately spilt
By one I well knew,

By one I once did vow to love
And to this end I vainly strove

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For many a year.
For he had learned to love the wine,
E’er my warm thoughts began to twine,
Around his fair form.

But this I knew not till too late,
For it had turned my love to hate,
Had I known it when,
It was yet within my power,
To shame the bitter blighting hour,
That made me his wife!

But now the worst of life is o’er,
And I hope to see his face no more,
Whilst I’m on this Earth.
And I know it never can be right,
That in a world of heavenly light,
I should meet with such.

Perchance you’’l yet learn the hist’ry,
Which scilence now shrouds in mis’try,
Of this lone traveller,
And when you do; you’ll doubtless feel,
Thoughts of this time, then o’er you steal,
And remember me.

Eleanor

When The Boat, (The James E Woodruff) Landed at St Louis, and I came out of the cabin in front to go ashore, I saw my brother in law H. T. Bartlett talking to a gentleman and Lady on board.  But I paid no attention, for I did not suppose he wished

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to see me, except to carry out some unholy scheme of my arch enemy.

I had before learned that two of my brothers and H. T. Bartlett here in business in St Louis and I anticipated they would be on the watch for me. The clerk of the Boat went ashore with me, and when he left me on a corner of the street, I saw a man near who followed me till I went into a house. Next morning there building I was in was closely guarded by policemen was policemen in front of the building I was in, gazing in at the doors &c, but they made no attempt to take me. When I left there policemen followed and so I was honored with their distinguished attentions from house to house until a time when they lost sight of me entirely. I knew their movements all the time, and I have looked in the faces of some of these zealous gentlemen so much, that I believe I would know them anywhere. One morning, <I stood near> a group of them and heard the following conversation – I believe the Leading speaker was the peculiarly, pious, “June,” “industrious”, Mr. Ward, who is styled city missionary, in that incorruptible city (for it can hardly be more corrupt).  I had noticed during the morning that some of these attentive officials looked rather perplexed, and weatherbeaten (for it stormed all night) and seemed to read the morning paper with <great> Eagerness.

Well, said Mr. Ward, the woman we want has on a black silk dress with three flounces on it, if she is in this house she is in the cellar.

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And I don’t believe she has left here!

‘No’ said another “for every crack and window and door of this house has been watched every moment since she we saw her go into this house”.

Mr. Ward – “Sometimes I think you were mistaken and that she went in next door.

– Well we have searched that house cellar and all, and she is not there.

Ato Ward – Well she may be in the cellar of this house but there is no telling.  She is so full of her tricks there is no telling what she will do.  I tell you she’s smart, she’s an educated woman.  Just look at the article she wrote in Arkansas  See how smooth and plausible she tells <makes> the story of McLean putting her into the street.  Now I know all about that, for one of her family told me the correct way of it.  I tell you she is a smart intelligent woman, I doubt whether there is two equal to her in the U.S..  And she wears a black silk dress with three flaunces, and I believe she’s in the cellar of this house.

About that time I concluded I would leave St Louis and I wrote to my brother in law Cambell as follows

Dear brother Cambell

I have suffered intense physical pain much of the time since I last saw you, insomuch that my hand has been nummed and my pen still.

I have also been dilligently pursued by my blood thirsty enemies from house to house – but through one friend I yet have “who sticketh closer than a

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brother” I have escaped their mitiring vigilance.

I have walked up and down before their eyes and they could not know me.

They think I have “donned the Beeches” but they are mistaken.  I have stood near them in the same dress in which they saw me, and heard them lay there plans for my capture, and this knowledge has been my salvation from their power.

I have a perfect knowledge of their movements and I know who they are, and when the day comes, I can point them out with a finger of answering certainty. And the day will be when my finger directed toward their grinning vissages, will be a signal of fatal import to them. They will yet know I feel that the in the little finger of an humble saint of God there is more power than than in ten thousand puney arms such as they raise to oppose the work of the “Last days”.

Now you say I’m crazy – well why should I leave this land without giving some proof of my insanity.

They may say it is not blood they want, but I differ with them, and a few more years will prove the soundness of my judgement.

Their pious efforts are only for the salvation of a “poor fanatical, erring woman. And yet they trample upon all law civil and divine to accomplish their devout ends!

Have they any regard for the laws of this land or the sayings of Jesus?  I say nea – for these

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would sieze and kill the murderer, bring the lying slanderer to justice, and restore the innocent children to the bosom of her who bare them.

When you read this I will be with the blessings of my father in heaven, beyond the reach of these children of hell, and where I have tens of thousands of friends.  Where virtue prevails and justice reigns.

Mr Cambell I remember your course towards one while in N. O. with a feeling beyond my power to express.  One friend standing forth amid the dark contending elements which seemed like one more conspiracy to lay siege to, and destroy a lone friendless female, where real character was as unknown to them as the hidden councils of eternity.  It will take time to develope the gratitude I feel.

If you have any chance tell Annie I will keep all her presents for her, and send from time to time if any opportunity offers.  Tell the dear children I left this land to preserve my life & liberty, and for their salvation.

Oh God of Israel bless them, & every one who comforts them, I ask in the name of Jesus Amen

June 16^th, 1857                                                                                                Eleanor

I also wrote to my brother as follows

Mr  J G McCansh

I suppose the day has come when I may not call you brother.  Be this as it may and as the Lord will.

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I feel to congratulate you <I mean my forever kindred> upon your success in the art of tyranny.  I think a little more practice will prepare you to challenge any thing known in the history of the world, or existing in the history experience of any living people, in the art of cruelty, falsehood, and plunder.

I congratulate you upon your last trophie the re-capture of my children – the shedding of innocent blood, and the afflicted and desolate situation into which you have brought one against whom you have failed to prove one crime.

Although destitute and alone, and hunted down from place to place & from door to door by every bloodthirsty madness, I would not exchange with one of the name an (illegible), tho they be ladened down with the Glory of heartless deeds without compare in the history of any nation or kingdom.

But I will let all these things pass as empty clouds that will shortly melt away before the light and power of truth.

You well know I could not get my trunk while in N.C. or St Louis, without risking my own liberty or the safety of my friends who are innocent in the whole matter. & This I will not do if I should go barefoot and beg from door to door.

But I will ask <you> once more to forward my trunk so that I can obtain it.  If you will put it on a boat for Florence Nebraska, marked Eleanor McComb care of A Cunningham, Florence Nebraska, It will be forwarded to me.  But if it adds to your happiness to think of me destitute you can retain it.

Eleanor

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All this time I <have> given no desciption of the Murderer.  He is of medium size not very very straight. Hair rather gray, large forehead, very white, fair skin, very large straight nose, keen gray eyes (most persons think them black) thin lips of a positive expression, and sharp chin.  He is 42 years old, of agreeable address, <and> but talks <but> little.

He is very strong and persevering.

The following poem contains much of his history, and is founded upon a conversation I had one day while walking with my Annie from Houston to an stranger house in Buffalo Bayou. She had never at any time since her taken <from me> in Lan Fuen, had an opportunity of opening to me her feelings during her absence from me.

We were walking through a dense pine forest when she began to speak on this subject, and I said “now Annie dear, none but God and the Angels can see or hear in this quiet place and we will sit on this log and you shall <once> open your heart to me”.  Truly her story might have touched the heart of even the stoic.

The seal of tyranny is again upon the lips <of this guileless one> but yet she shall be heard.

See poem paper apart  No. 1

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It has been said and written that my Mormonism drove McLean to drinking, but he knows to the contrary.  And I have evidence as far back

As far back as 1844 I find the following scraps which were written soon after our marriage.

 I lately found them in an old parcel of papers labeled “Scraps of interest to the interested.” 

As 1844 in his own handwriting that this my dear enemy to his peace had then gained great power over him.  I find in an old bunch of papers the following scraps, with day and date

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paper apart   No 1

The Voice of our Infant Capture

When I was yet a tender little child,
Scenes to me most strangely sad and wild,
Began to tinge the teeming cup of life,
With sorrow bitterness and painful strife.

My mother is a woman mild and kind,
And has a highly cultivated mind
She always strove to keep us clean and neat
And on the paths of virtue led our feet

She taught us how to sing & how to pray
And to love wisdom’s  peaceful pleasant way
And yet her life was full of toil and woe
Which some could care and very few could know

For my poor father early learned to think,
Of that dark cup which soon or late must sink.
All its sad victims to the gates of death,
For surely this is in the inebretes breath,

That he must one day have his certain fate,
Amid the wretched sons of curses and hate,
If at the wine cup he yet rather sips
Than press his guiless infants tender lips,
Or come at ease to bless his faithful wife,
Who shares with him the toils and cares of life.

How oft I’ve seen her anxious face grow pale,
When with old whiskey brandy wine or ale.

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He came enraged his face inflamed
His language such as never should be nam’d.
And yet she strove his darking vice to hide,
Although the breach became more deep & wide,
She ne’er betrayed him to her dearest friend,
Still hoping each fearful scene would be the end.

Now my father drank most deeply at night,
And in his secret home he fixed the blight.
Of dead, of angry words, and deadly blows,
Which wife and children & God only knows.

My mother often helped him to his bed,
Then went alone her bitter tears to shed,
And if some one inquired where father was,
She said he’s sick without a moment’s pause.

Sometimes he’s come for months to <cheer and> bless,
His wife and children with a fond caress,
And then we’d bliss instead of bitter tears,
And joy and hope instead of trembling fears.

But in the course of a half score years and more,
The monster a more fearful aspect wore,
And scenes of violence began to mark,
My father’s course; and one night when very dark,
He put mother by force into the street,
Where she’d vice of all names and grades to meet.

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First we children screamed, then in scilence wept,
But could not know that night, where mother slept.
The doors were locked, and we must go to bed,
The noise to hush, and hide the tears we shed.

But there came a day when we must be released
For all the time our faith in God increased
And he did stretch forth his mighty arm
To take us from these scenes of dread alarm.

T’was a sunny day, and a western coast,
In a city that wealth and fame could boast.
My brothers and I beside our mother knelt,
And prayed to God our father’s heart to melt.
Or else take us out of his cruel hands,
No more to obey his unkind commands.
When done we said good morning mother dear,
And off to school without one thought or fear,
That he would ever send us far from her sight,
Whose presence gave to life its dearest light.
When we were from our home just out of sight,
Pa from a carriage quickly did alight.
He said he wished to take us on a ride
Down to the shipping by the water’s side.
We straight obeyed well pleased with such a treat,
Ne’er dreaming of the fate we might that hour meet.

He took us on board a splendid steamship

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of all the crowd she’d made the quickest trip.
And then he said “You now must go away,
Wish granpa & ma many years to stay.
We asked once more to see our mother face’
Er’e we should leave that most hallowed place,
Where she’d taught us how to live and die,
And how to rise and reign with saints on high.
But while we spoke the gallant ship set sail
And then no words or tears could aught avail
Fear by the power of involuntary force.
The ship kept on her sure and steady course.
Our father left-and we were quite alone
Our grief to spend, our losses to bemoan.
For there was on that ship no voice or face,
That we had er’e heard or seen no other place!
And methinks we must have perished then,
Had not mother told us of a time when,
God is pledged, the innocent to defend,
And bring their sorrows to a final end,
My <eldest> brother knelt beside the berth,
O it was the sadest home I’ve known on earth,
He asked our father in heaven to save
From sickness death, and a watery grave,
And in the name of Jesus as mother did,
He asked that God in mercy would forbid,
That we should long be banished from that one
Who’d been our chiefist joy since life begun,
Where the scene will end I cannot now tell,
But till mother comes I say to pay farewell!

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5                                                        Part 2nd

Come now my muse and other scenes embrace,
These capture Infant’s mournful fate to trace,
For yet they live in cruel fetters bound,
Tho  guiltless blood is crying from the ground,
For all such suffering ones to be released,
And  till tis  done, the cry will be increased.

Our mother came not many months ago
And took us in a way that none might know
Our infant hearts again with gladness beat
For our oppression we hoped no more to meet

But Oh! There came a day a fatal day,
While we were journeying in a peaceful way,
Too soon our father met us on the road
Our trembling hearts with grief again to goad.

Because his arm was strong, he tore us away,
Tho we’d rather gone to the grave that day,
Than parted  from our Mothers warm embrace,
Perchance on earth no more to see her face.

We cried aloud. but Oh! we cried in vain
He said we ne’er should see her face again.
And then he dragged us on through crime and death,
The same foreshadowed in the drinkers breath.

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They tell me now my father’s hands are led
With innocent blood by him lately shed
That he has slain a servant of the Lord
Who ne’er done him harm in thought deed or word

And now I ne’er expect a day of rest
Till with my mother, and my savior blest
For in the Kingdom of god’s own dear son
with faithful Saints we know we shall be one

Can to on page 60

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It has been said and written that my Mormonism drove McLean to drinking,  but he knows to the contrary since I have been home I found a little bundle of old papers labeled “Original scraps of some interest to the interested” and amongst these scraps are one that read as follows

My dear Hector

Having used every persuasion in my power to no effect, I see but these alternatives all ending in misery if not in crime First to live the victim of the vice to which you have become a prey  2nd to seek a house among strangers, Or shall the smoothe current of the Mississippi lie the last page that any may read of my “ill fate”

Your wife

E.J. McLean

Millikens Bend La

On the same paper ..                     Dec 31^st 1844

“Nea Ellen neither of these shall ever be your lot. I will cease to greive your gentle spirit, and we will live together so long at it is the will and good pleasure of our heavenly parent we should. We will seek an asylum among the people of God (I care not where that may be) and by their good example and prolc precept I am persuaded your own dear husband, may can,  I must be <saved &> reformed- it is impos<etile> to be neither here  I have tried in vain, to live soberly & righteously before God & men, but cannot accomplish it yours sincerely

Hector

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Dated in the same year. another scrap_ _

Hector

When affection shall have rallied for the last time, and hope ceased to struggle, you will feel keenly feel, that it were better to have thirsted than to drink the only devotion that persues lyar

E.J. M.L.

In those days Hector McLean’s heart was tender and such appeals reached his better feelings, and once he made a solemn oath that if he again so grieved me he would destroy his own life.

But the stealthy charm of the [unreadable] [unreadable] continued to gain power over him, and now in 1857, he is what he is “A Murderer!!”

I believe I have not yet named the two men who accompanied him,– Howell & John Cornell!  (Mark it ye hosts of Israel.) And there was N.D. Collins, <a young Lawyer>, who acknowledged to me that he went along to see or assist in mangling the body of the deceased.  This young man called to see me to explain what he had done, Said he understood I had his name written down, and he did not wish me to leave under any false impressions.  But the more he explained, the better I understood his guilt and I told him his name would stand where I <had> put it.

If I were appointed executioner, and murder was the crime, I would feel no compunctions of care in beheading this man, for I believe he is a murderer at heart

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I believe my story is now about ended.

I have named individuals and given their exact language so nearly as my memory serves me,  without passing any judgement upon their mothers,  Some may think that every man acted and spoke to blind me.  But  O will <that?> so judge them; I sought always to keep the spirit of God and act according to its dictates, and the impressions left upon my mind is that there are some honest men in Van Buren, and two or three of them are named in this work.  If I am deceived in this, the worse for them.  

I also believe that the majority of the people who attended brother Pratt’s funeral, were at least free from any feeling of hate towards my brethren, and the man   I felt impressed that the man and his family who took care of the body, loved truth, and really desired to know who the deceased was and what his office and gifts were.

If he had been their own brother I know not what more they could have done.

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[Transcribed by Cheryl Brawn, Tiffany whiting, Brandan Hull, Linda Duffield, Timothy Foley, Suanne Taysom, Rebecca Haynie, Walt Morrell, Sue Martin, Dorrie Lee, Suzanne Taysom, and Mauri Pratt; Sept. 2015]

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