Notes
1. This is likely McDonald County, Missouri.
L. B. Fleak to Governor Reynolds, March 1, 1843
Source Note
Laban B. Fleak, Letter, Keokuk, Lee Co., Iowa Territory, to Thomas Reynolds, March 1, 1843. Published in Warren A. Jennings, “Two Iowa Postmasters View Nauvoo: Anti-Mormon Letters to the Governor of Missouri,” BYU Studies 11, no. 3 (1971): 287–88.
Historical Introduction
In this letter, in the spring of 1843, Fleak explains that he has heard rumors that another requisition has been sent for Joseph Smith’s extradition to Missouri. It is unclear if there was any basis to this rumor.
Document Transcript
Keokuk I. T. March 1/43
Gov Reynolds
Sir
I once more intrude on your patience the perusal of a note. It is currently reported here that another requisition has been sent to Illinois for the delivery of Joe Smith to the authority of your State. The requisition is said to be founded on the indictment of 1838. I hope it is true. I think that requisition will stick if such a one has been issued in spite of the whole fraternity of Mormon Judges Counsellors Sheriffs &c; of Illinois. I know Smith fears it for I am informed that he has ordered the Mormons to leave our County and concentrate at Nauvoo, at any rate they are all all [sic] about leaving our Town. I would advise you to keep on your guard at all times for they have indirectly threatened your life in case you pursue this villain further, you have seen how successful their attempts were on Ex Gov Boggs so I beg of you be on your guard at all times. They are determined to give some of you trouble before long if I may judge by their assersions. They are becoming very numerous, hundreds of new recruits are weekly arriving & this same Temple that they are now building is in my opinion intended for a fortress. The strength of the place is proof of the fact.
I am happy to say that I shall be ready to leave this accursed Mormon Country by the Middle of May or the first of June next and I intend permanently settling myself near the South Western County of your State.1 I shall take with me from 100 to 120 head of Good Cattle. I am told that the above named section of country is a fine grazing country. I want a situation where I can sell goods. If you can give me any information about that country & have time & inclination to do it I will take it as an especial favour, which shall at some future period be duly reciprocated if an opportunity ever offers.
. . .
L. B. Fleak
. . .
P. S. Rockwell, Smiths tool is in Wisconsin Territory in the pine country near the Falls of St. Croix
LBF
