CORRESPONDENCE
OF GEN. JOSEPH SMITH, AND THE HON. J. C. CALHOUN.
Nauvoo, Ill. Nov. 4th, 1843.
Dear Sir:—As we understand you are a candidate for the presidency at the next election; and as the Latter-day Saints (sometimes called Mormons, who, now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast republic,) have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the State of Missouri, and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants, and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal, and honorable means, in her courts, her executive councils, and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific and candid reply to, What will be your rule of action relative to us as a people, should fortune favor your ascension to the chief magistracy?
Most respectfully, sir, your friend, and the friend
Of peace, good order, and constitutional rights,
JOSEPH SMITH,
In behalf of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Hon. John C. Calhoun, Fort Hill, S. C.
REPLY.
Fort Hill, Dec. 2nd, 1843.
Sir,—You ask me what would be my rule of action, relative to the Mormons, or Latter-day Saints, should I be elected president, to which I answer; that if I should be elected, I would strive to administer the government according to the constitution and the laws of the union; and that as they make no distinction between citizens of different religious creeds, I should make none. As far as it depends on the executive department, all should have the full benefit of both, and none should be exempt from their operation.
