Divine Justice and the Sinking of the Mob Ferry

In June 1834, a group of mob leaders led by Samuel C. Owens and James Campbell attempted to cross the Missouri River to organize an attack against Zion's Camp. George A. Smith recorded the event where their ferry boat sank in the middle of the river. James Campbell and four other men drowned in the incident. Smith viewed this event as a clear manifestation of divine justice and protection, noting that those who raised the 'hand of oppression' against the innocent were thwarted by the elements.