Pillar of Light

by Gerald N. Lund

  “This man says the Daughters of Zion threatened them. Since they were no longer faithful, either they left immediately or the Destroying Angels would kill them. He says Avard told his band they weren’t going to tolerate any more apostasy, especially not among those who are called to be Apostles.”

  “Are you going to tell Joseph all this?” Nathan asked slowly.

  “You bet I am!” Benjamin said, his voice heated. “That’s one reason I agreed to go today. I want to see what Avard has to say. But if any of this is true, and word of it gets out to the Missourians, they’ll have the perfect excuse to come against us.”

  Nathan grabbed his arm. “And if Avard and his men find out you know . . .” He peered into his father’s eyes. “You’ve got to be careful, Pa. Real careful.”

  Benjamin sighed, and he sounded very much like a tired old man. “Believe me, Nathan, I’ve already thought of that.”

  * * *

  The place Avard had chosen for his meeting with the captains of the armies of Israel was in a grove of trees along the creek that ran just to the north of Far West. Nathan saw immediately why he had chosen it. Once they entered the trees, they were totally secluded from the eyes of the world.

  Avard was a dynamic man, handsome and a touch dashing. He wore a neatly trimmed beard and had flashing dark eyes that were never still—and never met a direct gaze for more than a moment or two. Today he was agitated and excited. There was also some evident nervousness. He barely waited until the last man had sat down on the ground in front of him before he launched into his speech.

  “Brethren,” he said, “I have called you here today, as the captains of the various companies of the Danites, because the situation grows worse with every passing moment. It is time for us to act.” He looked around, his face lengthening with studied gravity. “I met with President Sidney Rigdon last night and received authority from him to proceed.”

  Nathan jerked around to give his father a questioning look. “I doubt that,” he whispered.

  Benjamin raised one eyebrow. “Sidney is just enough of a hothead to give him encouragement,” he whispered back. “But I also think Avard is an outright liar. You don’t know what to believe.”

  Benjamin turned and looked at Avard, suddenly angry. “Brother Avard?” he called out. “I have a question. What about Brother Joseph? Does he know what we are doing here?”

  For an instant there was open anger on Avard’s face. Then it was quickly masked, and Avard smiled broadly. “Brother Rigdon represents the First Presidency. We act with their blessing.”

  Several of the men looked at each other and began to whisper, so Avard went on swiftly. “My brethren, as you have been chosen to be our leading men, our captains to rule over this last kingdom of Jesus Christ—and you have been organized after the ancient order—I have called upon you here today to teach you, and instruct you in the things that pertain to your duty, and to show you what your privileges are, and what they soon will be.

  “Know ye not, brethren, that it soon will be your privilege to take your respective companies and go out on a scout on the borders of the settlements, and take to yourselves spoils of the goods of the ungodly Gentiles?”

  At that, there was a ripple of surprise as numerous heads came up.

  Avard rushed on, more loudly and adding force to his words. “That’s right! For it is written, the riches of the Gentiles shall be consecrated to my people, the house of Israel; and thus you will waste away the Gentiles by robbing and plundering them of their property; and in this way we will build up the kingdom of God, and roll forth the little stone that Daniel saw cut out of the mountain without hands and roll forth until it filled the whole earth.”

  “No,” someone muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear, “that’s not right. That’s not what that scripture says.”

  “Yes it is!” Avard thundered. “This is the very way that God destines to build up his kingdom in the last days. And there is no need to fear. If any of us should be recognized, who can harm us? For we will stand by each other and defend one another in all things.”

  Now the bewildered looks were giving way to dismay and outrage. Avard could tell he was losing them, and he rushed on, desperation making his voice rise in pitch. “If our enemies swear against us, we can swear also. Why do you startle at this, brethren? As the Lord liveth, I would swear to a lie to clear any of you; and if this would not be enough, I would put an enemy under the sand as Moses did the Egyptian. In this way we will consecrate much unto the Lord, and build up his kingdom; and who can stand against us?”

  Benjamin stood up. “I stand against you,” he said calmly.

  Avard’s eyes narrowed as there was a rumble of agreement with Benjamin. Avard’s voice went cold. “Brother Steed, we have made solemn promises to each other, and if any of us transgress, we will deal with him amongst ourselves. And if any one of this Danite society reveals any of these things of which we speak now, I will put him where the dogs cannot bite him.”

  Nathan was on his feet, one fist raised and shaking at Avard. “Are you threatening us?” he shouted. “This is not what Joseph wanted when he called us Danites. What you are suggesting is in open violation of the laws of our country. If we rob and steal and plunder from the Gentiles, we would be robbing our fellow citizens of their rights. That is not according to the language and doctrine of Christ, or of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

  Several men were on their feet now, but Avard did not back down. “You are wrong, Nathan Steed,” he said tightly. “The laws of our country were not executed in justice. How else would we at this very time be surrounded with mobs and armed thugs? I care not for the laws of this country. This is a different dispensation. This is the dispensation of the fulness of times. The scriptures tell us that in this dispensation the kingdom of God is going to put down all other kingdoms. Then the Lord himself will reign, and no laws but God’s laws will be in force then.”

  “God does not set up laws that condone stealing and killing,” a man behind Nathan shouted. “He never has and he never will.”

  “Nor does God tolerate secret combinations,” Benjamin said. “The Book of Mormon tells us that secret combinations are a most abominable thing in the sight of God. He does not approve of them, and they cannot exist in the true Church of God.”

  Suddenly Avard realized he was not going to win this one. He raised his hands, the unctuous smile reappearing as if by magic. “Brethren, brethren,” he said, “I can see you are not ready for such teachings. Perhaps it is best if we drop the subject for now, although I say again, I have only been acting on the authority of Sidney Rigdon.”

  Nathan was still very agitated. “Just like the authority you had when you were in Canada?” he exclaimed.

  Avard swung around, his eyes filled with cold fury. “Watch your tongue, young man. You may not like the consequences of being rash.”

  “And you may not like the consequences of having us check with Brother Rigdon to see if what you say is true.”

  “And with Brother Joseph,” Benjamin said darkly. “I think Brother Joseph will be very interested in what we have learned today.”

  * * *

  As Joshua walked briskly along the main street of Richmond, the county seat of Ray County, he could barely believe what he was seeing. The streets were packed with people, mostly men and most of those bearing arms.

  When word had spread that the Mormons were in a state of general uprising following the torching of their homes by some of the mob, panic had sent virtually every old-time settler in northern Missouri fleeing to Richmond. And with them came the Reverend Mr. Woods and Cornelius Gilliam and the eight hundred wild, undisciplined, and nearly uncontrollable men they called an army.

  Joshua pulled a face. At least the Mormons were safe for a time. He wasn’t so sure about the good citizens of Ray County though, what with this much weaponry on display and this much liquor being consumed and this much bragging and boasting going on.

  H
e turned up the walk and entered the courthouse, where General Atchison had set up his headquarters. As he entered the room where the general’s aide was, Joshua saw that the door to the inner office was open. General Atchison was behind his desk. Across from him sat General Parks. “Ah, Captain Steed,” Atchison said when he saw him. “Good. Come in. I want you to hear this.”

  Joshua stepped into the office. “What is it, sir?”

  “How well do you know the Mormon leaders, Steed?”

  That startled Joshua.

  Parks was watching him closely. “I understand your family are Mormons living in Far West. That true?”

  Joshua nodded curtly. He had told Atchison about his parents first thing, so there would be no surprises. He wasn’t sure why Parks was bringing it up now.

  “So, do you know their leaders very well?” Parks asked.

  Joshua shook his head slowly. “I know Joseph Smith, of course. We lived in upstate New York, not far from him. I might recognize one or two, but that’s about it.”

  “The name Thomas B. Marsh mean anything to you?” Parks asked.

  Joshua thought for a moment. “It sounds familiar. My sister got married in August. I was there. A lot of the Church leadership was there.”

  “He claims to be the chief Apostle. They have twelve Apostles, you know. Claim they’re just like Christ’s church when it was on earth. Marsh claims he’s the leading Apostle.”

  Joshua’s head began to go up and down slowly. “Yes, I think I did meet him that day.”

  “So you’d recognize him?” Atchison broke in.

  “Probably. Yes, I think so.” Joshua hesitated. “What’s this all about, if I may ask, sir?”

  General Atchison picked up a sheet of paper from off his desk. “Marsh came to Richmond about a week ago. Said he’s fed up with the Mormons. Another Apostle, name of Hyde, was with him. Anyway, Marsh went before a justice of the peace this morning and swore out this affidavit.” He handed it across to Joshua. “This is bad. I was hoping the Mormons would be restrained and that we could find a solution to the conflict.” He gave a weary sigh. “Now I don’t know anymore. Go ahead, Captain. Sit down.”

  Joshua took the paper and sat down. His eyes dropped to the bottom of the paper, where the signature of Thomas B. Marsh was over the signature of Henry Jacobs, justice of the peace, Ray County. “What does it say?” he asked, looking across at his commanding officer.

  “Read it. First couple of paragraphs just state who he is and so forth. Start about the third paragraph.”

  Joshua’s eyes dropped and he scanned quickly. Then, as he began to read more slowly, he felt a chill settle in upon him.

  I hereby testify that the Mormons have among them a company, considered true Mormons, called the Danites, who have taken an oath to support the heads of the Church in all things that they say or do, whether right or wrong. Many, however, of this band are much dissatisfied with this oath, as being against moral and religious principles. On Saturday last, I am informed by the Mormons, that they had a meeting at Far West, at which they appointed a company of twelve, by the name of the “Destruction Company,” for the purpose of burning and destroying, and that if the people of the town of Buncombe came to do mischief upon the people of Caldwell, and committed depredations upon the Mormons, they were to burn Buncombe; and if the people of Clay and Ray made any movement against them, this destroying company were to burn Liberty and Richmond. . . .

  Their prophet, Joseph Smith, accepts this notion, and it is believed by every true Mormon, that Smith’s prophecies are superior to the laws of the land. I have heard the Prophet say that he would yet tread down his enemies, and walk over their dead bodies; and if he was not let alone, he would be a second Mohammed to this generation, and that he would make it one gore of blood from the Rocky mountains to the Atlantic ocean.

  Beneath the signatures of Marsh and the justice of the peace there was a brief statement, which read: “Most of the statements in the foregoing disclosure I know to be true; the remainder I believe to be true.” It was signed by Orson Hyde and likewise attested to by the justice of the peace.

  Joshua swallowed once, then again, then finally looked up, handing the paper back. “I don’t believe that, sir.”

  Atchison leaned forward, his mouth pulling into a line. “You don’t?”

  “No, sir. I think Joseph Smith is a deluded and misled man. I think the Mormons, including my own family, are foolish for following him in religious things. I think the whole idea of Mormonism is a fraud. But . . .” He took a quick breath. “But I know Joseph Smith. I know the Mormon people. They are not out to bathe this country in blood. I do not believe for a minute that they will try to burn us out. I don’t know why this Marsh and Hyde have decided to say these things, but I don’t believe them.”

  He sat back, trying not to let his breathing be too heavy. Atchison and Parks were both watching him closely, and he felt a tiny bead of perspiration begin to form on his lower lip.

  A noise in the outer office drew their attention. The general’s aide was standing there with a well-dressed and fine-looking man. Atchison looked up for a moment, then to Joshua. “Is this man Thomas B. Marsh, as you remember him?”

  Joshua studied the man’s face for a moment. Marsh did not look at him. Finally, Joshua nodded. “Yes, sir. It is the man I remember.”

  Atchison tossed his head slightly and the aide led Marsh away again. He turned back once more to Joshua. “Thank you, Captain. That will do. You’re dismissed.”

  Chapter Notes

  There has been much controversy about Sampson Avard and the Danites. Many non-Mormon authors have used the Marsh statement and later testimony by Avard himself to try and discredit Joseph Smith and the Church. However, two excellent articles in BYU Studies reveal several important points: (1) Sampson Avard was keenly opportunistic and a known liar. (2) The companies of the armies of Israel organized in Far West were not commonly called the Danites by the Mormons. Joseph Smith occasionally used that term because Daniel the prophet had talked about the Saints in the last days. Joseph did not take the name from the warlike members of the tribe of Dan. This is confirmed by the only known eyewitness account actually written at the time the events were happening. (3) The companies organized under Joseph’s direction were far more than military groups and filled the function of caring for the Saints as outlined in this and the previous chapter of the novel. (4) The oaths and secret signs and death threats were part of Avard’s way of keeping his true purposes hidden. (5) Once Avard’s true colors were discovered, he was excommunicated from the Church. (See Leland H. Gentry, “The Danite Band of 1838,” BYU Studies 14 [Summer 1974]: 421–50; and Dean C. Jessee and David J. Whittaker, eds., “The Last Months of Mormonism in Missouri: The Albert Perry Rockwood Journal,” BYU Studies 28 [Winter 1988]: 5–41.)

  An interesting footnote to Sampson Avard’s life: After the fall of Far West, Avard was found hiding in a thicket and was arrested. In an attempt to turn blame away from himself, Avard testified that Joseph had authorized the secret society and sent them on a mission to kill and plunder. (So much for his sacred oath never to reveal the secrets of the society, even at the risk of his own life!) Though others testified as to his lack of integrity and that his testimony was perjured, the Missourians never punished Avard for his actions against them prior to his defection.

  The bulk of Avard’s speech to the captains as presented in the novel is taken virtually intact from Joseph’s record, as is the affidavit signed by Thomas B. Marsh (see HC 3:180–81, 167). John Taylor later noted that it may be possible the enemies of the Church embellished Marsh’s statement to make it worse than it was. However, he also notes that it was still a very terrible thing Marsh and Hyde did. (See HC 3:167–68n.)

  It should also be mentioned that Orson Hyde was ill with a violent fever at the time of his defection and may have been more susceptible to Marsh’s persuasions. Hyde returned to the Church a few months later, asked forgiveness, and was reinstated to the
Twelve in June of 1839. Thomas B. Marsh was out of the Church until 1857 when he came to Utah and publicly confessed his error and was rebaptized into the Church. (See CHFT, p. 199; see also Lyndon W. Cook, “ ‘I Have Sinned Against Heaven, and Am Unworthy of Your Confidence, But I Cannot Live Without a Reconciliation’: Thomas B. Marsh Returns to the Church,” BYU Studies 20 [Summer 1980]: 389–400.)

  Chapter 14

  Lydia lurched up into a sitting position, one hand at her throat, the other clutching at the empty air, trying to find something to steady her. The cabin was pitch black, and for a few terrifying seconds she thought she had been buried alive and was smothering. Then, as suddenly as she had come awake, she came to awareness. They were in her mother-in-law’s cabin, sleeping in Rebecca’s old bed. She and Nathan had moved in with Nathan’s parents and given their cabin to other families. The baby slept in a small bassinet beside them. Her other children were just through the curtain from her.

  Reaching out in the darkness, she felt Nathan’s bulk beneath the blanket. She lay back down slowly, the pounding in her chest gradually slowing now. It must have been a nightmare. She had not slept well since she and Nathan had moved their family—

  Her head jerked up again and cocked to one side. And then she knew what it was that had awakened her. The sound was faint, having to come through thick log walls and narrow window openings, but it was unmistakable. Somewhere from the direction of the courthouse someone was sounding a trumpet. “No,” she whispered. “Oh, dear Lord, no. Please no!”

  There was silence for just a moment. Then the hauntingly beautiful and coldly terrible sound started again, carrying in the stillness of the night across the whole of Far West. Now it was joined by a deep booming sound. The signal drum. Then a rifle fired. Then another. Then another. Three shots!

  Suddenly her hands felt as cold as if they had been packed in snow, but she knew what she had to do. She leaned over and shook her husband roughly. “Nathan! Wake up!”

  “Huh? What?” He was mumbling as he half turned.