shoot and be damned

Lyman Wight was a peculiar character. At times his faith seemed strong enough to move mountains. After the Saints were driven out of Jackson County, into Clay County, volunteers were called for to go to Kirtland to report the situation to the Prophet. Several Elders excused themselves. Lyman Wight volunteered. Asked what the circumstances were in which his family would e placed, he told the Bishop that his wife had been placed by the side of a log in the woods, for shelter, and that she had a child three days old. They had provisions for three days. Under such circumstances he went on a mission to Kirtland, in company with Parley P. Pratt.

On one occasion he was offered any office in the State he would name, if he would swear to a testimony against Joseph Smith. If you do not do it, the tempter added, you will be shot tomorrow at 8 o’clock. Wight replied, “General, you are entirely mistaken in your man, both in regard to myself and Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith is not an enemy to mankind he is not your enemy, and is as good a friend as you have got. Had it not been for him, you would have been in hell long ago, for I should have sent you there, and no other man than Joseph Smith could have prevented me, and you may thank him for your life. And now, if you will give me the boys I brought from Diahman yesterday, I will whip your whole army.” General Wilson said, “Wight, you are a strange man; but if you will not accept my proposal, you will be shot tomorrow morning at eight.” Wight only made the characteristic reply that has become famous, “Shoot and be damned.”


Doctrine and Covenants Commentary by Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl. Deseret Book. 1965. p.311