New York Herald reprint describes Joseph and Hyrum Smith as martyrs.
"Masacre of the Mormon Prophet and His Brother — Fate of Mormonism", New York Herald in The Star of Freedom 7, no. 351 (August 3, 1844), 1
MASACRE OF THE MORMON PROPHET AND HIS BROTHER — FATE OF MORMONISM.— According to the latest accounts from the west, and those most to be relied on, Joe Smith and his brother were actually massacred in the midst of a civilised community. The first accounts from that quarter came from quarters hostile to the Mormons, and hence a representation was made that an attempt was made by Joe to escape, and that in this attempt he was destroyed. But it appears from other and subsequent accounts, that a mob, disguised in all possible ways, entered the prison, and actually. massacred, in cold blood, the Mormon chiefs. Such a brutal, bloody, and dark tragedy never before took place in any civilised country. Instead of sealing the fate of Mormonism, we are now inclined to believe that this revolting transaction may give only additional and greatly increased strength to that sect. Joe and his brother will be regarded as martyrs to their faith; and but little knowledge of human nature and the history of the past is necessary to inform us of the fact, that violence, oppression, and bloodshed strengthen instead of subduing fanaticism. The bitterness with which the war against the Mormons has been waged, appears to us, as this distance, altogether unaccountable. There must be something not yet revealed behind the curtain and we await, with great anxiety, further intelligence from the scene of these melancholy and revolting transactions for more insight than we have yet obtained into their origin.