to acquire both.  The extent of their desires is now by no means limited, for their writings and actions show a design to pursue the same path, and attain the same end by the same means, as did Mahomet.  The idea of a second Mahomet arising in the nineteenth century may excite a smile, but when we consider the steps now taken by the Mormons to concentrate their numbers, and their ultimate design to unite themselves with the Indians, it will not be at all surprising, if scenes unheard of since the days of feudalism should soon be re-enacted.

I will here submit to my readers a letter directed to Mr. Courtenay in 1842, by a superior officer of the United States artillery.

“Yesterday (July the 10th) was a great day among the Mormons; their legion, to the number of three thousand men, was reviewed by Generals Smith, Bennet, and others, and certainly made a very noble and imposing appearance; the evolutions of the troops commanded by Joe would do honour to any body of regular soldiers In England.  France, or Prussia.  What does this mean?  Why this exact discipline of the Mormon corps?  Do they intend to conquer Missouri, Illinois, Mexico?  It Is true they are part of the militia of the state of Illinois, by the charter of their legion, but then there are no troops In the States like them in point of discipline and enthusiasm; and led on by ambitious and talented officers, what may not be effected by them? perhaps the subversion of the constitution of the United States; and If this should be considered too great a foreign conquest will most certainly be attempted.  The northern provinces of Mexico will fall into their hands, even if Texas should first take possession of them.

“These Mormons are accumulating, like a snow-ball rolling down an inclined plane.  They are also enrolling among their officers some of the first talent in the country, by titles which they give and by money which they can command.  They have appointed Captain Henry Bennet, late of the United States army, Inspector-General of their legion, and he is commissioned as such by Governor Carlin.  This gentleman is known to be well skilled in fortification, gunnery, and military engineering generally; and I am assured that he is receiving regular pay, derived from the tithing of this warlike people.  I have seen his plans for fortifying Nauvoo, which are equal to any of Vauban’s.

“General John C. Bennet (a new England man) is the prophet’s great gun.  They call him, though a man of diminutive stature, the ’forty-two pounder.’  He might have applied his talents in a more honourable cause; but I am assured that he is well paid for the important services he is rendering this people, or, I should rather say, rendering the prophet.  This gentleman exhibits the highest degree of field military talent (field tactics), united with extensive learning.  He may yet become dangerous to the states.  He was quartermaster-general of the state of Illinois, and, at another time, a professor in the Erie University.  It will, therefore, be seen that nothing but a high price could have secured him to these fanatics.  Only a part of their officers and professors are Mormons:  but then they are united by a common interest, and will act together on main points to a man.  Those who are not Mormons when they come here, very soon become so, either from interest or conviction.