Editing Danite (section)

== Formation ==

In June 1838, a group of Mormons began meeting together in Far West under the leadership of [[Sampson Avard]], [[Jared Carter (Latter Day Saints)|Jared Carter]], and [[George W. Robinson]] to discuss the problem of Mormon dissenters.<ref>{{Harvnb|Baugh|2000|p=36}}</ref> The group organized under the name "The Daughters of Zion."  A second group was formed in nearby Adam-ondi-Ahman where stake president and special counselor in the First Presidency [[John Smith (uncle of Joseph Smith)|John Smith]] recorded the name Danites in his diary and characterized the meetings as routine events.<ref name="Quinn|1994|p=93">{{harvnb|Quinn|1994|p=93}}</ref>  The name "Danites" probably refers to a Biblical prophecy found in the [[Book of Daniel]] ({{Bibleverse|Daniel|7:18}}).  According to Albert P. Rockwood, a loyal Mormon writing in October 1838:
{{blockquote|The Companies are called Danites because the Prophet Daniel has said that the Saints shall take the kingdom and possess it forever.<ref>{{Harvnb|Jessee|Whittaker|1998|p=23}}</ref>}}

[[Thomas B. Marsh]], former [[President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]], left the church, citing improper handling of [[Kirtland Safety Society|the church's finances]] by its leadership. He began writing and speaking critically of the church, which resulted in his formal excommunication. He left after hearing reports of the destruction of non-Mormon settlements, including [[Gallatin, Missouri|Gallatin]], by the Mormons. He was present at early Danite meetings and said that the Danites swore oaths "to support the heads of the church in all things that they say or do, whether right or wrong."<ref>''{{Harvnb|Document|1841|pp=58}}''</ref> The newly formed Danites disagreed initially on what steps to take against the dissenters, who had left the church but still lived nearby on land that had murky legal status. The properties had been purchased with a mixture of common and private funds, and in the name of both the LDS Church and private individuals. Reed Peck, another ex-Mormon, alleged that Carter and [[Dimick B. Huntington]] proposed that the group "kill these men that they would not be capable of injuring the church."<ref name=":0">{{Harvnb|Peck|1839|p=22}}</ref> Marsh (while still a practicing Mormon) and [[John Corrill]] successfully argued against the proposal.<ref name=":0" />

==="Salt Sermon"===
{{main|Salt Sermon}}
John Corrill recalled that "the first presidency did not seem to have much to do with [the Danites] at first", and some of the Danites clearly saw this sermon as a sign of approval.<ref name="Corrill|1839|p=31">{{Harvnb|Corrill|1839|p=31}}</ref> The matter was tabled until the following Sunday (June 17, 1838) when [[Sidney Rigdon]] preached his [[Salt Sermon]], in which he likened the dissenters to "salt that had lost its savor." He went on to state that the dissenters would be "trodden under the foot of men."<ref>{{Harvnb|Van Wagoner|1994|p=218}}</ref> Corrill stated that "although [Rigdon] did not give names in his sermon, yet it was plainly understood that he meant the dissenters or those who had denied the faith."<ref name="Corrill|1839|p=31"/> Rigdon's strongly worded sermon may have played a significant role in encouraging the dissenters to leave the county.<ref>{{Harvnb|Gentry|1974|p=2}}</ref>

===Danite Manifesto===
{{wikisource|Danite Manifesto}}
Ebenezer Robinson (who remained with the church after 1838), recalled that the next day a letter was "gotten up in the office of the First Presidency,"<ref name="Quinn|1994|p=94">{{harvnb|Quinn|1994|p=94}}</ref> which Danite leader [[Sampson Avard]] later charged was written by Sidney Rigdon.<ref>''{{Harvnb|Document|1841|pp=102}}''</ref> The letter was addressed specifically to the principal dissenters: [[Oliver Cowdery]], [[David Whitmer]], [[John Whitmer]], [[William Wines Phelps]], and [[Lyman E. Johnson]].  The letter demanded the dissenters depart the county, writing:
<blockquote>for out of the county you shall go, and no power shall save you. And you shall have three days after you receive this communication to you, including twenty-four hours in each day, for you to depart with your families peaceably; which you may do undisturbed by any person; but in that time, if you do not depart, we will use the means in our power to cause you to depart; for go you shall.</blockquote>

It made several accusations concerning the actions and character of these dissenters and then stated:

<blockquote>We have solemnly warned you, and that in the most determined manner, that if you do not cease that course of wanton abuse of the citizens of this county, that vengeance would overtake you sooner or later, and that when it did come it would be as furious as the mountain torrent, and as terrible as the beating tempest; but you have affected to despise our warnings, and pass them off with a sneer, or a grin, or a threat, and pursued your former course; and vengeance sleepeth not, neither does it slumber; and unless you heed us this time, and attend to our request, it will overtake you at an hour when you do not expect, and at a day when you do not look for it; and for you there shall be no escape; for there is but one decree for you, which is depart, depart, or a more fatal calamity shall befall you.<ref>''{{Harvnb|Document|1841|pp=103–106}}''</ref></blockquote>

The letter — later known as the "Danite Manifesto" — displayed the signatures of eighty-three Mormons, including that of Joseph Smith's brother, and fellow member of the [[First Presidency]], [[Hyrum Smith|Hyrum]], but not Joseph or Rigdon. Robinson later said that all of the signers were Danites.<ref name="Quinn|1994|p=94"/>

The letter had the desired effect and the few named dissenters quickly fled the county, relocating to [[Liberty, Missouri|Liberty]] and [[Richmond, Missouri|Richmond]] in neighboring [[Clay County, Missouri|Clay]] and [[Ray County, Missouri|Ray]] counties.  Despite the harsh treatment of the few vocal dissidents, a dozen others were permitted to peacefully remain in the community.  One of the expelled dissenters, John Whitmer, said that they had been "driven from their homes" and robbed "of all their goods save clothing & bedding &c."<ref>John Whitmer, p. 184{{full citation needed|date=October 2013}}</ref> Reed Peck agreed, asserting that "the claims by which this property was taken from these men were unjust and perhaps without foundation cannot be doubted by any unprejudiced person acquainted with all parties and circumstances."<ref>{{Harvnb|Peck|1839|p=28}}</ref>