ers 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 task, 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
quarter-master-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.