JEFFERSONIAN CONVENTION.

At a large meeting of the Jeffersonian Convention, held at Franklin Hall in the city of Boston on Friday and Saturday, 24th and 25th of May 1844,

Parley P. Pratt, Esq. was unanimously called to the Chair—and

J. Carter Little, Esq. was chosen Secretary.

The Chairman stated the object of the meeting, which will be seen by the following resolutions. And after transacting much important business relative to the welfare and honor of the nation; the following preamble and resolutions were read and unanimously adopted. viz:

“Whereas, The spirit of Liberty and Independance which began to germ in the minds of a Washington, a Jefferson, a Hancock and a Warren, the fathers of this (should be) republic, has become extinct as far as the official character of the nation is concerned; and whereas divisions, contentions, oppression and misrule are the order of the day, and Democracy, Whiggery &c are only other names for mob-ocracy; and whereas, in the face of our glorious Constitution, and under the shade of the “Stars and Stripes” of our free republic, American citizens are exiled from their native States, disposessed of their property, and men, women and children, butchered in cold blood, solely on account of their religious sentiments, (as was the the case with the Latter Day Saints,) and abolitionists are mobbed and shot, and their Halls burned: or Catholic churches, convents and libraries, are burned and destroyed —black men burned at the stake or tree, and white men hung—all, without the shadow of law; and ‘ when the authorities are applied to for redress of wrongs and justice in the premises; they are met with the very consoling and democratic response “Your cause is just, but we can do nothing for you,” (as was the case with the Saints,) or, “Your commenced the disturbances; so help yourselves, there is no Government for you,” (as was the case with the Catholics and abolitionists) and

“Whereas these acts conclusively show, that the people of these United (distracted) States are entirely destitute of an effective and energetic government, possessing the disposition or ability to administer the laws in equity, and execute justice to its own citizens, and spread the broad folds of the constitution over its own children; and whereas, General Joseph Smith of Illinois, has declared in favor of universal liberty and equal rights, and is evidently a man of knowledge, wisdom, philanthropy, and energy sufficient for the just and equitable administration of the government—Therefore

Resolved, 1st. That we will by all lawful ways and means endeavor to reform the abuses of trust and power in every department of the government, and rear the fallen standard of equal rights and universal liberty to every soul of man.

2nd. Resolved, That to advance thus our purpose, we will recommend to the people of these United states, to erect, and uphold by their influence and votes, an independent candidate for the Presidency, who will neither be a Whig, a Democrat, or pseudo democratic President, but a President of the United States; not a Southern man with Northern principles, nor a Northern man with Southern principles; but an independent man with American principles.

3d. Resolved, That General Joseph Smith of Illinois, is a gentleman of independence and integrity, possessing the qualifications requisite to exalt the nation, (if the people will give him an opportunity,) and to restore her departed glory, check the progress of corruption in the administration of government, and preserve the honor of our republican institutions.

4th. Resolved, Therefore that we will uphold General Smith for the Presidential chair of this Republic, at the ensuing election.

5th. Resolved, That the Jeffersonian Democracy of Massachusetts who are in favor of "free trade and sailor's rights," protection of person and property, are requested to assemble in State convention by their delegates on Monday the 1st day of July 1844 at Fanieul [Faneuil] Hall in the city of Boston.

6th. resolved, That as the name of Gen. Joseph Smith has been placed upon our banner as a candidate for the Presidency of the United States; and as it is of the utmost importance that we "hang our banner on the outer wall," as the press is a most potent engine 'to enlighten the public mind; therefore, we had with much satisfaction, the appearance of a new paper published in New York called the "Prophet" in addition to the "Times and Seasons" and the "Nauvoo Neighbor" to effect the above subject, and we will do all in our power to circulate and increase the subscription lists of them all.

7th. Resolved, That the several papers throughout the United States, as well as the "Prophet," "Times and Seasons," and the "Nauvoo Neighbor" be requested to publish the foregoing preamble and resolutions.

Parley P. Pratt, Chairmen.

J. Carter Little, Sec’y.