The Misconceptions Surrounding the Boggs Attempted Assassination: Separating Fact from Fiction
The story of the purported assassination of Lilburn W. Boggs often intertwines with Joseph Smith’s history, particularly in the context of perceived prophecies and a shadowy figure known as Porter Rockwell. However, a closer examination of historical records and scholarly analyses reveals a complex and often misunderstood narrative.
One common misconception is that Joseph Smith prophesied about a Boggs assassination. This is a myth born from a mix-up in historical accounts. Scholars and historians have extensively investigated Smith's prophecies and writings and found no evidence to support this claim. Joseph Smith’s prophecies, as analyzed by academic experts, consistently reflect his status as a conman and a charlatan, rather than a prophetic figure.
What Really Happened?
The truth is that the event in question was a TEMPTED assassination attempt against Lilburn Boggs, not a prophecy or a completed act. This attempt was not directly linked to Joseph Smith, who was not in Missouri at the time.
According to records, Porter Rockwell, a notorious figure in the West known for his sharpshooting skills, was suspected of making the attempt. However, evidence does not link Smith to this event or to instigating the assassination.
The Case of Porter Rockwell
Porter Rockwell, often described as a man of God and one of the West's most feared lawmen, dismissed the allegations against him. He stated that it was impossible he was the one who shot Boggs, because Boggs was still alive. This assertion is supported by historical accounts that do not definitively implicate Rockwell in the attempt.
Lilburn W. Boggs: A Threat to the LDS Church
Lilburn Boggs was not a figure to be pitied but rather one who posed a significant threat to the LDS Church. Boggs was known as a staunch Anti-Mormon, having played a critical role in the Missouri War of 1838, where he issued Order 44, an extermination order against the Latter-day Saints.
His order, written in October 1838, was a clear threat to the Mormon people, declaring, “The Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the State….”
Boggs's actions were not only despised by the Mormon community but also placed him at odds with the wider populace. He encouraged the rape and murder of the Mormons and later refused to protect them, further cementing his reputation as a cynical and ruthless individual.
Historical Analysis and Critique
Harold Schindler, in his book "Orrin Porter Rockwell: Man of God, Son of Thunder," proposed that Rockwell was most likely responsible for the attempted assassination of Boggs. However, this claim lacks substantial evidence. One reviewer of Schindler's work noted:
“Anti-Mormon testimony is given free rein in relation to the shooting of Governor Boggs, especially in an effort to link Joseph Smith with it through the death of Boggs. When the second edition of Schindler's book failed to address this issue... another reviewer noted:
“The late Gustive O. Larson… objected primarily to the 'over-abundance of irresponsible testimony and sensationalism represented...”
These critiques highlight the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis in understanding historical events. The lack of verifiable evidence against Smith or Rockwell in this case underscores the need to approach such claims with skepticism.
In conclusion, the story of the Boggs assassination attempt is a complex mix of historical events, rumors, and misconceptions. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction, relying on scholarly analysis and evidence to form an accurate understanding of the events that occurred.