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 o