It is among these tribes that Joe Smith wishes to lay the foundation of
his future empire; and settling at Independence, he was interposing as a
neutral force between two opponents, who would, each of them, have
purchased his massive strength and effective energy with the gift of
supremacy over an immense and wealthy territory. As we have seen, chance
and the fortune of war have thrown Smith and the Mormons back on the
eastern shores of the Mississippi, opposite the entrance of Desmoines
river; but when forced back, the Mormons were an unruly and turbulent
crowd, without means or military tactics; now, such is not the case.
Already, the prophet has sent able agents over the river; the Sacs and
Foxes, the same tribe we have just spoken of as the much-abused nation
of Wisconsin, and actually residing at about eighty miles N.N.W. from
Nauvoo, besides many others, are on a good understanding with the
Latter-day Saints. A few bold apostles of Mormonism have also gone to
the far, far west, among the unconquered tribes of the prairies, to
organize an offensive power, ever ready for action.
Thus, link after link, Smith extends his influence, which is already
felt in Illinois, in Iowa, in Missouri, at Washington, and at the very
foot of the Rocky Mountains. Moreover, hundreds of Mormons, without
avowing their creed, have gone to Texas, and established themselves
there.
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