Another major source that poses problems is Mormonism Unveiled, which appeared in print five months after John D. Lee’s execution. The book, purportedly written by Lee, includes his personal history and a confession about the massacre. Though the title hints at exposé rather than history, many authors continue to view the book as an accurate primary source. Other massacre scholars have debated the authorship of the book, ascribing a role to Lee’s attorney, William W. Bishop . . .

Evidence indicates that while Lee composed much of the book’s underlying text, Bishop added sensationalized and erroneous details to the manuscript.