Correspondent–Do you believe in blood atonement?

Brigham Young–I do, and I believe that Lee has not half atoned for his great crimes. The Saviour died for all the sins of the world by shedding his blood, and then I believe that he who sheds the blood of man willingly, by man shall his blood be shed. In other words, capital punishment for offenses deserving death, according to the laws of the land. And we believe the execution should be done by the shedding of blood instead of by hanging. If the murderers of Joseph Smith were to come to me now, giving themselves up, I would not feel justified in taking their lives, but I would feel justified in having them taken to Illinois and there tried for murder.