Own up to massacre
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Now that the Mormon church is allowing an "unvarnished look" at the life and writings of Joseph Smith ("New Mormon papers offer an unvarnished look at Joseph Smith," Tribune, Sept. 5), perhaps they will sanction the full disclosure of documents relating to the 1857 killing of 120 men, women and children — an event known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
On the Sept. 11 anniversary of that dreadful event, many — especially the Paiute tribe — may be absolved with the opening up of this historic wound.
Since "Critics will find no bombshells" in the Smith papers, incriminating shrapnel may be discovered in manuscripts relating to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Hazel Roehrig
Salt Lake City