| 361 by the Mormons-seemed to arm themselves as if expecting a collision., The first clash of arms took place at Wilson's store on the Big Blue, about four miles east of Westport, about the third or fourth of November, which resulted in several persons being killed upon both sides and several others wounded.
"In a few days after this the citizens organized and determined upon ejecting the Mormons from the county, which soon after was done. During the ejectment a great many outrages were perpetrated and the Mormons were compelled to leave almost everything they possessed behind them, and it was only by a hurried flight that they saved their lives. As it was, quite a number were killed upon both sides. The majority of the Mormons, after being driven from Jackson County, went to Clay County, where they were received and provided for as well as it was possible by the citizens. The Mormons remained in Clay County until 1836, in an unorganized community, when it was agreed between them and the citizens of Clay and Ray Counties that if they (the Mormons) would buy out a few inhabitants then inhabiting what is now Caldwell County, then a part of Ray County, the balance of the land being public, they could enter it at their leisure, and we would urge the Legislature to create a county for them, which was done at the session of the Legislature of 1836-7. . . . It has been said that in the treaty I made with the Mormons I stipulated that they must leave the State, under penalty of annihilation if they refused to do so. This is entirely untrue, as I made no stipulation. It is true, however, that in an order to me and other officers, Governor Boggs used the expression 'that the Mormons leave the State or be exterminated,' whereas this order was entirely illegal. I paid no attention to it. In my report to Governor Boggs I stated to him that I had disregarded that part of his order, as the age of extermination was over, and if I attempted to remove them to some other State it would cause additional trouble. The Mormons commenced immediately after this to move to Nauvoo, Illinois, and I know nothing further about them. While the Mormons resided in Clay County, they were a peaceable, sober, industrious and law-abiding people, and during their stay with us not one was ever accused of a crime of any kind."
The Kansas City Journal of June 5, also contained an interview with David Whitmer. Among other things Mr. Whitmer said:
"A few months after the translation was completed, that is in the spring of 1830, Joseph had the book published, and this (showing a well-worn volume) is a copy of the first edition, which I have had in my possession ever since it was printed."
"When did you see the plates?" .
"It was in the latter part of June, 1829. Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and myself were together, and the angel showed them to us. We not only saw the plates of the Book of Mormon, but he also showed us the brass plates of the Book of Ether and many others. They were shown to us in
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