“I flatly denied it, saying that no such ever existed [Danite Manifesto], we was thought of among the mormons, and I could bring all the Mormons, both men, women, and children, besides myself, that would swear before all the world, that no such thing ever existed, nor was thought of​ among the Mormons.”

Joseph Smith – 22 February 1840, History of Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, A Source- and Text-Critical Edition – Volume 4 (Salt Lake City, UT: Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2015/Vogel Edition), page 69, and footnote 126.

Yet, both the Danites and the Manifesto are factual. Earlier, the prophet made this comment about their duties:

“Thus far, according to the order of the Danites, we have a company of Danites in these times, to put to right physically that which is not right, and to cleanse the Church of very great evils which hath hitherto existed among us, inasmuch as they cannot be put to right by teachings and persuasyons [sic]. This company or a part of them exhibited on the fourth day of July. They come up to consecrate, by companies of tens, commanded by their captain over ten.”

Joseph Smith – 27 July 1838, History of Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, A Source- and Text-Critical Edition – Volume 3 (Salt Lake City, UT: Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2015/Vogel Edition), 51.