John C. Bennett accuses Nauvoo Masonic Lodge of initiating ten persons and antedating records.
John C. Bennett, "Gen. Bennett’s 4th Letter," Sangamo Journal (Springfield, Illinois) 10 (July 22, 1842): 2
Let me here inform the Masonic Brethren, that in Nauvoo Lodge , U. D., sixty three persons were balloted for in one ballot—and three entered, three passed, and four raised in one day, and the records made to appear as though only three were raised by ante-dating one. Robinson, Higbee and Henry Marks, can tell about this , Mr . Bowen, of Hannibal, Mo., a high Mason, can telI them (and he did tell the Junior Grand Warden Mr. Dilts, of Quincy.) that Mr. Hollister was absent from there (Hannibal,) at Nauvoo , only six or seven days, during which time he presented his petition and was entered, passed, and raised.
This was done by the direction of George Miller, the Master, by Joe’s directions , and was effected by ante-dating and interlining the Old Record , as can be seen by examination. Their Dispensation should be immediately withdrawn, and a charter refused, and Miller and Joe expelled.
John C. Bennett had been excommunicated prior to writing this letter.