508 IN THE OLD WEST 



stration, marched against the Mormons, and sup- 

 pressed the insurrectionary movement without 

 bloodshed. 



From Clay County they moved still farther into 

 the wilds, and settled at last in Caldwell County, 

 where they built the town of Far West, and here 

 they remained for the space of three years. 



During this time they were continually receiv- 

 ing converts to the faith, and many of the more 

 ignorant country people were disposed to join 

 them, being only deterred by the fear of incurring 

 ridicule from the stronger-minded. The body of 

 the Mormons seeing this, called upon their 

 prophet, Joe Smith, to perform a miracle in pub- 

 lic before all comers, which was to prove to those 

 of their own people who still doubted the doctrine, 

 the truth of what it advanced (the power of per- 

 forming miracles was steadfastly declared to be 

 in their hands by the prophets), and to enlist 

 those who wavered in the Mormon cause. 



The prophet instantly agreed, and declared that, 

 upon a certain day he would walk across the broad 

 waters of the Missouri without wetting the soles 

 of his feet. On the appointed day the river-banks 

 were thronged by an expectant crowd. The Mor- 

 mons sang hymns of praise in honor of their 

 prophet, and were proud of the forthcoming mir- 

 acle, which was to set finally at rest all doubt 

 as to his power and sanctity. 



This power of performing miracles and effect- 



