General Atchison to the Governor.
Boonville, Oct. 16, 1838.
To His Excellency, L. W. Boggs.
SIR:—From a communication received from Gen. Parks, I learn that the Mormons in Carroll county have sold out and left, consequently every tiling is quiet there, but Parks reports that a portion of the men from Carroll county, with one piece of artillery, are on their march for Daviess county, where it is thought the same lawless game is to be played over, and the Mormons to be driven from that county and probably from Caldwell county. Nothing, in my opinion, but the strongest measures within the power of the executive, will put down the spirit of monocracy.
The troops ordered into the field, from Parks’ report, partake, in a, great degree, of the mob spirit, so that no reliance can be placed upon them, however, in this I believe Parks to be mistaken. I would respectfully suggest to your Excellency the propriety of a visit to the scene of excitement in person, or at all events, a strong proclamation. The stale of things which have existed in the counties of Daviess and Carroll for the last two months, has been, in a high degree, ruinous to the public, and disgraceful to the State. 1 would again respectfully suggest strong measures to put down this spirit of mob and misrule, or permit them to fight it out. If your Excellency should conclude the latter expedient best calculated to produce quiet and restore order, issue an order to the Major General, 3d Division, to discharge the troops now engaged in that service.
I have the honor, &c.,
DAVID R. ATCHISON.
Liberty Oct. 22nd 1838
To his Excellency the Commander in Chief.
SIR:- Almost every hour I receive information of outrage and violence; of burning and plundering in the county of Daviess. It seems that the Mormons have become desperate and act like mad men. They have burned a store in Gallatin, they have burnt Millport; they have, it is said, plundered several houses and have taken away the arms of diverse citizens of that county. A cannon that was employed in the siege of De Witt in Carroll County, and taken for a like purpose to Daviess County, has fallen into the hands of the Mormons. It is also reported that the anti-Mormons have, when opportunity offered, disarmed the Mormons and burnt several of their houses. The great difficulty in settling this matter seems to me in not being able to identify the offenders. I am convinced that nothing short of driving the Mormons from Daviess County will satisfy the party opposed to them, and this I have not the power to do as I conceive legally. There are no troops at this time in Daviess County, nor do I deem it expedient to send any there. For I am well convinced that it would but make matters worse for, Sir, I do not feel disposed to disgrace myself, or permit the troops under my command to disgrace this state, and themselves, by acting the part of a mob. If the Mormons are to be
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drove [driven] from their homes, let it be done without any color of law and in open defiance thereof. Let it be done by volunteers acting upon their own responsibility.
However, I deem it my duty to submit these matters to the Commander in Chief, and will conclude by saying it will be my greatest pleasure to execute any orders your Excellency should think proper to give in this matter, with promptness and to the very letter.
I have the honor to be your,
Excellency’s Most Obt Servt,
David R. Atchison,
Maj. Gen. 3rd Div. Mo. Mi.
N.B. I herewith enclose you a report from Gen. Park, also one from Capt Bogart.
D.R.A.