- SPALDING  RESEARCH  PROJECT -


Document: Oberlin Spalding MS, pages 154 & 155  (1885 RLDS edition pp.123-126; 1886 & 1910 LDS edition pp. 97-99; 1996 BYU edition pp. 111-113).   Spalding MS printed editions' cross-index

Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., "Book of Mormon Research Grant Proposal," unpublished paper, 1979, pp. 25, 28.




 



people without distinction of age or sex, who fell into their hands

became the victems of their infuriated malice -- The extermination

of the Kentucks appeared to be their object, not considering that

it might soon be their turn to have such horrid cruelties reta-

liated upon themselvs with a threefold vengence. They likewise

had a further object in view, which was to provoke Hamboon to attack

the main army, whilst posted in an advantageous situation. --

    But it was Hamboon's policy by placing garrisons in different

stations & by patroling parties to prevent the sciotans from

plundering & destroying his towns -- & from geting provisions

from his country -- & in this way to compel them to cross the

River or to attack his army in the position he had taken. --

    While the Two Emperors were thus manoevering -- & seeking

by various arts & stratigems to gain an advantage over each

other, a very extraordinary intance of heroism & the display of the most

sincere & ardent friendship transpired were displayed  transpiredwhich is worthy a place

on the historic page  instance transpired of heroism & friendship --

     In the dominions of Hamboon there lived two young men who

were bred in the same vilage -- Having minds formed for the exer-

cise of the noblest principles & possessed of congenial tempers they early

contracted the greatest intimacy[,] & formed toward each other the

strongest attachment. -- They joined the standard of Hamboon

& in the great battle of Geheno they faught side by side & performed

exploits equally bold & heroic. -- They eat at the same board & drank

of the same cup -- & in all their excursions they attended each other

& walked hand in hand. -- As these two friends were seting

in their tent one evening -- Kelsock [==] who was the oldest, says

to Hamkoien, something whispers me; that this night we can

perform a most brilliant Exploit -- The Sciotans have held a great

festival & until midnight they will be emploied in music & dan-

cing & in various diversions -- Being greatly fatigued, when they

lie down to rest, their sleep will be sound -- We may then enter

their camp by slyly geting round their centinels unperc-

eived & make a most dreadful Slaughter. -- Your plan, replied

Hamkien, is excellent, it is worthy the character of an hero. -- I will

join you -- & will either triumph with you in the success of the

enterprize or perish in the attempt. Perhaps we may atcheive

a glorious deliverance to our country, by destroying our cruel enemie[s.]






 154:01

 

 

 

 154:05

 

 

 

 

 054:10

 

 

 

 

 154:15

 

 

 

 

 154:20

 

 

 

 

 154:25

 

 

 

 

 154:30

 

 

 

 

 154:35
 

 

 154:38





 



They both taking their swords & tomehauks repaired towards the camp of the Sciotans

on order to reconoiter & find where they could enter & not be perceived

by the centinals -- The Moon shone bright but would set about three

Oclock in the Morning -- this was the time they had fixed upon to

begin the massacre of their enemies -- At length all became silent

-- the Moon disappeared & these young heroes had accomplished

their plan in geting into the camp of the Sciotans unperceived

They found them lying in a profound sleep -- for the fatigues of

the day & the revels of the night had bro't weariness upon them -- & conside-

ring, when they lay down that the vigelence of their guards would

secure them from surprize, they slept with unusual soundness, but

their vigelence could not prevent an unsuspected destruction. The

Tomehauks & swords of these daring youth, soon caused hundreds

to sleep in eternal slumbers -- & so anxious were they to finish the

destruction of their enemies, that the day began to dawn before they

had cleared themselvs from their camp of their enemies -- Scarce how-

-ever had they past the last centinal, & the alarm was given --

The Sciotans beheld a most terrible slaughter of their warriors & being

fixed with indignation sallied forth in parties in every direction --

    Kelsock and Hamko had nearly gained the encampment of the Ken-

tucks & Haloon with a party of the Sciotans had overtaken

Hamko -- Kelsock was so far in advance, that he was now safe

from all danger -- but turning his eyes round he beheld Ha[k]oon

seize his friend, who was attempting to defend himself against

the party -- Kelsock turned instantly, & runing furiously back

cried, spare O spare the youth, he is innocent -- I alone con-

trived the slaughter of the Sciotans. -- too much love to his friend

induced him to join me in the enterprize -- Here is my bosom --

here take your revenge -- Scarce had he spoken & Haloon plun-

ged his sword into the heart of Hamko. -- The young hero fell -- &

with a groan expired -- Kelsock instantly rushed upon Haloon

& darted his sword thro his heart -- prostrate he tumbled at

the feet of Hamko[o] -- but Kelsock could not long survive --

A spear peirced him in the side -- he cast his eyes onthe lifeless Body ofhis friend

& fell upon his lifeless body it -- he embraced it & never breath

-ed again.  Ah heric youths  in friendship youe lived -- & in life

& death youe were joined. --







 155:01

 

 

 

 155:05

 

 

 

 

 055:10

 

 

 

 

 155:15

 

 

 

 

 155:20

 

 

 

 

 155:25

 

 

 

 

 155:30

 

 

 

 

 155:35

 

 155:37






Return to: 1979 Grant Proposal / 1980 SRP WP 1
Return to:   Spalding Research Project

      rev. 0: Nov. 29, 1998