Description
Mormonism Unveiled; or the Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee (Written by Himself); Embracing a History of Mormonism from Its Inception Down to the Present Time, with an Exposition of the Secret History, Signs, Symbols and Crimes, Lee, John D, 1878, 2nd edition. 406p + advertisements at end. Approximately 8.5 x 6 inches. Includes appendix on Brigham Young. Good. Leather is worn: rubbing, spine chipped, scuff marks. Black spine label is clear. Interior good with fading and light staining as expected. Very light foxing. No marking to text noted. Both hinges cracked but holding well. Flake-Draper #4853. Ships USPS Ground Advantage with eBay ShipCover insurance included. Publishers’ Preface: “JONN D. LEE'S prominent connection with the Mormon Church, and the almost universal desire on the part of the public to know the secrets that he could tell, gave a peculiar interest to the life and doings of this man, and led to a general inquiry for his Autobiography and Confessions. This has caused the publication of several pretended "Lives and Confessions of John D. Lee," the materials for which were collected from fragmentary newspaper reports, and advertised by certain unscrupulous publishers as genuine. We therefore deem it but simple justice to those who may read this book, to state how we obtained the true and only LIFE AND CONFESSIONS OF JOHN D. LEE. It was stated at the time of Lee's execution that he had left the manuscripts of his Life and. Confessions with his confidential attorney for publication. We at once wrote to Col. Wm. Nelson, U. S. Marshal of Utah Territory, requesting him to give us the address of Lee's attorney. He replied promptly, stating that. Mr. W. W. Bishop, of Pioche, Nevada, was the man. We immediately entered into correspondence with Mr. Bishop, and made a contract with him for the publication of the work. In proof of the fact that this is the genuine and only genuine Life and Confessions of-John D. Lee, we refer to Col. Wm. Nelson, U. S. Marshal Utah Territory; Hon. Wm. Stokes, Deputy U.S. Marshal, U. T.; Hon. Sumner Howard, U. S. Attorney, U. T.; the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune; Col.Geo. M. Sabin, Pioche, Nevada; Mr. Wm. W. Bishop, of the same place, and to John D. Lee's letter to Mr. Bishop, on page 84 of this book. Lee wrote his Life and Confessions in prison, after his sentence to death, and subsequent to his execution his manuscripts were copied and prepared for publication by Mr. Bishop. They were at no time out of his possession or from under his immediate control, until they were delivered to the express company on the 17th day of May, 1877, to be forwarded to us. The Mormon leaders were so greatly alarmed at the prospect of the publication of Lee's writings, and the consequent revelation of their secrets and crimes, that they sent their " Blood Atoners" to threaten the life of Mr. Bishop, and, if possible, compel him to give up the manuscripts. The danger was so great that he was compelled to have his office guarded while engaged in copying the papers; and when they were ready to be forwarded to the publishers, the Wells, Fargo & Co. Espress refused to receive them until they were furnished with an armed guard to protect them until they were beyond the reach of the Mormons. The fears of the Mormon dignitaries were well founded, for Lee's revelations of crimes committed by them are of the most startling character. THE PUBLISHERS.”