will give you all the information which is within our knowledge
of the proceedings of our enemies; and as we have not heard or
received communication from Nauvoo as regards the course we should
pursue, we now ask your counsel, and you will please forward per
Brother Perkins. We should have sought your counsel sooner, only on
account of high water. Please communicate in writing the course we
in this part of the country should pursue. The brethren in these
parts are in good faith, spirits, and health generally, and may be
relied on.
Respectfully,
JOHN SMITH.
GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH.
_Monday, 17.--_I wrote the following to my uncle, John Smith:
_Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith--Instructions in Case of Mob
Violence_.
NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844.
_Uncle John_:
DEAR SIR.--The brethren from Ramus arrived here this morning. We were
glad to see them, and to hear that you were all alive in the midst of
the ragings of an infatuated and blood-thirsty mob. I write {486} these
few lines to inform you that we feel determined in this place not to be
dismayed if hell boils over all at once. We feel to hope for the best,
and determined to prepare for the worst; and we want this to be your
motto in common with us, "That we will never ground our arms until we
give them up by death." Free trade and sailor's rights, protection of
persons and property, wives and families.
If a mob annoy you, defend yourselves to the very last; and if they
fall upon you with a superior force, and you think you are not able to
compete with them, retreat to Nauvoo. But we hope for better things.
But remember, if your enemies do fall upon you, be sure and take the
best and most efficient measures the emergency of the case may require.
Remember the front and the rear of your enemies, because if they should
come to Nauvoo to attack it unlawfully and by mob force, a little
annoyance upon the rear with some bold fellows would be a very good
thing to weaken the ranks of an enemy.
It is impossible to give you correct information what to do beforehand;
but act according to the emergency of the case, but never give up your
arms, but die first.
The brethren will give you information of the conversation between us.
We have sent to the Governor, and are about to send again, and we want
you to send affidavits and demand the attention of the Governor, and
request protection at his hand, in common with the rest of us that by
our continual wearying we may get him to come and investigate the whole
matter.
I now conclude with my best wishes, and must refer you to the brethren
for further information.
JOSEPH SMITH.
Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Lieut.-General of the Nauvoo Legion.
My brother Hyrum wrote the following letter to President Brigham Young.
_Letter: Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young--Calling Home the Twelve_.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844.
_Dear Brother Brigham Young_:
There has been for several days a great excitement among the
inhabitants in the adjoining counties. Mass meetings are held upon
mass meetings drawing up resolutions to utterly exterminate the
Saints. The excitement has been gotten up by the Laws, Fosters and
the Higbees, and they themselves have left the city and are engaged
in the mob. They have sent their runners into the State of Missouri
to excite them to murder and bloodshed, and the report is that a
great many hundreds {487} of them will come over to take an active
part in murdering the Saints. The excitement is very great indeed.
It is thought best by myself and others for you to return without
delay, and the rest of the Twelve, and all the Elders that have
gone out from this place, and as many more good, faithful men
as feel disposed to come up with them. Let wisdom be exercised;
and whatever they do, do it without a noise. You know we are not
frightened, but think it best to be well prepared and be ready for
the onset; and if it is extermination, extermination it is, of
course.
Communicate to the others of the Twelve with as much speed as
possible, with perfect stillness and calmness. A word to the wise
is sufficient; and a little powder, lead and a good rifle can be
packed in your luggage very easy without creating any suspicion.
There must be no excuses made, for wisdom says that a strict
compliance with our request will be for our safety and welfare.
In haste, I remain yours in the firm bonds of the new and
everlasting covenant,
HYRUM SMITH.
P. S.--Large bodies of armed men, cannon and munitions of war are
coming on from Missouri in steamboats. These facts are communicated
to the Governor and President of the United States, and you will
readily see that we have to prepare for the onset.
In the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant, I remain yours,
JOSEPH SMITH.
[Sidenote: Arrest of the Prophet _et. al._ for Destroying the
_Expositor_.]
This morning [17th of June] I was arrested, together with Samuel
Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene,
Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H.
Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, H. David
Redfield, O. P. Rockwell, and Levi Richards, by Constable Joel S.
Miles, on a writ issued by Daniel H. Wells, on complaint of W. G. Ware,
for a riot on the 10th inst. in destroying the _Nauvoo Expositor_
press. At 2 p.m. we went before Justice Wells at his house; and after a
long and close examination we were discharged. The following is a copy
of the minutes of this trial.
{488} _Minutes of the Trial of Joseph Smith et al. Before Esquire
Wells--"Expositor" Affair_.
FOR THE "NEIGHBOR."
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
COUNTY OF HANCOCK, ss.
Justice's Court, June 17th, 1844, Daniel H. Wells, Justice of the
Peace, presiding.
State of Illinois _v._ Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor,
William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, Stephen Perry,
Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H.
Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, H. David
Redfield, Orrin Porter Rockwell and Levi Richards.
Defendants were brought before the court by Joel S. Miles,
constable of the county aforesaid, by virtue of a warrant issued
by the court on complaint of W. G. Ware, for a "riot committed in
the city of Nauvoo, county aforesaid, on or before the 10th day of
June, 1844, by forcibly entering a brick building in said city,
occupied as a printing office and taking therefrom by force, and
with force of arms, a printing-press, types and paper, together
with other property, belonging to William Law, Wilson Law, Robert
D. Foster, Charles A. Foster, Francis M. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee
and Charles Ivins, and breaking in pieces and burning the same in
the streets."
George P. Stiles, Esq., appeared as counsel for the defense, and
Edward Bonny, Esq., for the prosecution.
W. G. Ware sworn. Said he was present when the City Council passed
an order for the destruction of the press. Went up to the Temple
and heard the Marshal read the order of the Mayor. Did not know how
they got into the building. The press was taken out and destroyed.
Defendants' counsel objected to witness, stating who voted for the
passage of the bill in the council and read Burns' definition of a
riot, and said there could be no accessory.
Councilor Bonny read from the statute, page 173, and pleaded there
might be an accessory to a riot. Court decided there might be an
accessory to any crime either before or after the fact.
Witness knew some who voted for the order in the City Council.
Heard Gen. Dunham give orders for the destruction of the press.
Dunham, Redfield and Richards took an active part in the
destruction of the press. Did not know all the persons.
Cross-examined: City Council considered the press a nuisance,
and ordered it to be abated. Was present at the execution of the
Mayor's {489} orders. No unnecessary noise. All was done peaceably.
Saw no disorder. Heard no language by the prisoners calculated to
disturb the peace.
Henry O. Norton sworn. Was at the printing office. Heard Marshal
Greene give orders to open the door. Markham carried out the press
and type. Recollected Dunham. Could not identify any others. No
contention between the marshal and Higbee. Marshal asked Charles
A. Foster for the key, which he refused to give. Heard no threats
concerning the destruction of the press any time.
O. F. Moesseur sworn. Saw many of the people gather around the
printing office. Went over, back, and over again. Could not
identify any person. Heard no loud talking or noise.
P. T. Rolfe sworn. Was at work in the printing office last Monday
night. Chauncey Higbee came in and said the Council was about to
destroy the press, and took some papers from the desk. Marshal
Greene came with a company and demanded the key. Foster and Higbee
forbade him. Door was opened by Lytle, as witness thought. The
press and fixtures were destroyed, and some paper and a desk
belonging to Dr. Foster, containing several thousand dollars of
property, four thousand dollars auditor's warrants, and other
valuable papers.
Cross-examined: Did not know the amount of warrants and papers.
Presumed they were destroyed, Did not know whether they were
destroyed. Was from the office long enough to have them taken out.
Said Greene, Dunham, Markham, Holmes, Perry, Edwards and Harmon
helped to move the press. Never knew anything against Joseph Smith
personally.
B. Warrington sworn. Was present at the Council when the bill
passed to destroy the press.
Joseph Smith objected to calling in question the doings of the City
Council, and referred to the proceedings of Congress to show that
all legislative bodies have a right to speak freely on any subject
before them, and that Congress is not responsible for a riot
which might arise on the execution of their order by the Marshal;
that the execution of such order could not be a riot, but a legal
transaction; that the doings of the City Council could only be
called in question by the powers above them, and that a magistrate
had not that power; that the City Council was not arraigned here
for trial, but individuals were arraigned for a riot. If the City
Council had transcended their powers, they were amenable to the
Supreme Court; and that Judge Thomas had decided that an action
could not lie if no riot had been committed.
Councilor Bonny said, if the act was committed under an ordinance
of the city, they might show it in justification.
{490} Court decided that the gentlemen arraigned were arraigned in
their individual capacity, and could not be recognized by the court
in their official capacity.
Witness said that all he heard the prisoners say was said as
councilors.
Testimony on the prosecution closed.
Councilor Stiles moved that the prisoners be dismissed for want of
a case being made out.
Councilor Bonny read the riot act, and pleaded a case had been made
out.
Motion overruled by the Court.
Dr. Wakefield, Willard Richards and Edward Wingott sworn.
Dr. J. R. Wakefield, of New York, said he went on the hill after
the order passed the Council. Saw some portion of the Legion
collected, walking quietly along as though they were walking to the
"Dead March in Saul." There was no noise or tumult. Higbee asked
the Marshal his authority. Marshal stated his authority from the
Mayor for abating the nuisance. Higbee set them all at defiance.
Some twelve men were called out, who went up stairs and opened
the door. Did not know how the door was opened. There was not
more than one thump. Marshal Greene asked one of the officers if
anything was destroyed except what belonged to the press? and the
officer replied, "No." All was done in perfect order--as peaceably
as people move on a Sunday. Was present all the time. All that was
done was done in their official capacity as officers of the city.
Councilor Bonny objected to the testimony, as it was not before the
Court that there was any city.
Court decided that any knowledge in possession of the Court was
testimony in the Court.
E. Wingott, of Boston, concurred in Dr. Wakefield's statements.
Was by the door when it was opened, and knew that nothing more
than a knee was put against it. All was done quietly. Was present
in the City Council when the order passed. Nothing said in Council
except what was said in capacity of councilors and aldermen. Was
by the door all the time when the press and type and things used
in connection with the press were destroyed. There was no other
property taken from the building.
Cross-examined: Did not know the name of the man who opened the
door. Knew Orrin P. Rockwell.
Willard Richards read the resolutions of the City Council of the
10th instant, declaring the press a nuisance, &c., and the Mayor's
order to the Marshal to destroy the press, and the Lieut.-General's
order to Major-General Dunham to assist the Marshal with the
Legion, if needed, {491} to abate the nuisance, and the Marshal's
return that the press and type were destroyed (as published in the
_Neighbor_, June 19).
Court queried about the destruction of the desk.
Dr. Wakefield was again called up. Heard Marshal tell the officers
and men to hurt no property, except the press, type and fixtures:
and after the abatement, Marshal inquired if his order had been
obeyed, and the officers said it had.
E. Wingott called again. Heard Mr. Foster ask Higbee for the key of
the office, and afterward saw him deliver the key to Mr. Higbee.
There was nothing destroyed but what pertained to the press.
Addison Everett of New York, sworn. Saw the press and type taken
out and burned. Saw no other property burned. Desk might have been
taken away before. Should not have seen it, if it had been. Saw no
desk burned. Does not believe any desk was burned.
Joel S. Miles sworn. Foster said his docket was not burned. Witness
was sure that Dr. Foster said he had taken other papers out of the
desk.
W. G. Ware called again. Saw Charles Foster coming from the office
and go into Foster's house with books under his arm. Looked like
account books. Saw nothing but the press and fixtures brought out,
except a chair, and the Marshal ordered it to be carried back.
E. Wingott recalled. Stood close by the door. Could see all that
was done. Did not believe a desk could be brought out and he not
see it.
Dr. Wakefield recalled. Joseph Smith and Hyrum were not on the hill
at all that evening.
Joseph W. Coolidge was discharged by the Court and sworn. Charles
Foster asked Francis Higbee for the key to the office. Higbee
hesitated. Foster said he wanted to get a desk that had some
valuable papers in it. Foster got the key and went in. Did not see
him remove the desk. Might have removed it, and witness not see it.
There was no desk burned.
The councilors submitted the case without plea, and the court
discharged the prisoners.
{492}
CHAPTER XXIII.
RUMORS OF INVASION FROM MISSOURI--THE LEGION ORDERED TO ASSIST THE CITY
MARSHAL--NAUVOO PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW--THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS TO THE
LEGION.
_Monday, June, 17, 1844, (continued).--_Edward Hunter, Philip B.
Lewis and Major John Bills started with the affidavit of Thomas G.
Wilson and my letter, &c., to take to Governor Ford. I charged Edward
Hunter, under oath, to tell Governor Ford all he knew concerning me,
good or bad, as he has known me for several years; and I said to him,
"Brother Hunter, you have always wished you had been with us from the
commencement. If you will go to Springfield and do this business for
me now in this time of danger, it shall be as though you had been in
Missouri and had always been with us."
Stephen Markham made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit of Stephen Markham--Nauvoo to be Attacked_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss.
On the 17th day of June, 1844, came Stephen Markham before me,
Willard Richards, recorder of said city; and after being duly
sworn, deposeth and saith that, from the public papers, especially
the Warsaw papers, and from reports from the various precincts, a
mob may be expected to make an immediate attack upon the citizens
and city of Nauvoo, on account of the gatherings at the various
precincts, and threats to exterminate the Latter-day Saints.
STEPHEN MARKHAM.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 17th day of June, 1844.
WILLARD RICHARDS,
Recorder of the city of Nauvoo.
{493} As soon as the affidavit came to my knowledge, I issued the
following:
PROCLAMATION.
NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844.
_To John P. Greene, Marshal of the City of Nauvoo, &c_.:
SIR.--Complaint having been made to me on oath that a mob is
collecting at sundry points to make an attack on this city, you
will therefore take such measures as shall be necessary to preserve
the peace of said city according to the provisions of the charter
and the laws of the state; and with the police and the Legion,
see that no violent act is committed. General Dunham is hereby
instructed to act with the Marshal in keeping the peace, according
to law.
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
And also:
ORDER TO THE LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION,
NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844.
_To Major General in Command, Jonathan Dunham_:
Complaint having been made on oath that a mob is preparing to
make an attack upon this city and citizens of Nauvoo, and having
directed the Marshal to keep the peace, you are hereby commanded to
order the Nauvoo Legion to be in readiness to assist said Marshal
in keeping the peace, and doing whatever may be necessary to
preserve the dignity of the state and city.
JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-General N. L.
Also:
LEGION PLACED AT COMMAND OF CITY MARSHAL.
HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, June 17th, 1844.
_To Major-General in Command, Jonathan Dunham_:
You are hereby instructed to execute all orders of the Marshal,
and perform all services with as little noise and confusion as
possible, and take every precaution to prevent groups of citizens,
&c., from gathering on the bank of the river, on the landing of
boats or otherwise, and allay every cause and pretext of excitement
as well as suspicion, and let your operations be efficient and
decided.
JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-Gen. N. L.
I also issued an order to Col. A. P. Rockwood to call out {494} my
guard and staff immediately to my headquarters; and I also ordered the
Legion to parade tomorrow at 10 a.m.
HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION,
LIEUT.-GENERAL'S OFFICE
June 17th, 1844.
_To Col. A. P. Rockwood_:
You are hereby commanded to notify my guard and staff to appear at
headquarters without delay, armed and equipped according to law for
military duty and inspection, with powder and ball.
JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-Gen. N. L.
I advised my brother Hyrum not to mail his letter to President Young at
present.
I directed my clerk, Thomas Bullock, to remain in the Masonic Hall and
take affidavits of the men who are constantly coming in with news of
the movements of the mob and preserve copies to forward to the Governor.
I received the following letter:
_Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith--Probable Indictment of the
Prophet at Springfield_.
BURLINGTON, IOWA TERRITORY,
June 17th, 1844.
DEAR SIR.--I write to inform you that Jeremiah Smith arrived here
yesterday in safety and free from arrest. He desires, through me,
to thank you for your kindness and attention to him while at Nauvoo.
I wrote from Springfield to apprise you that an effort was making
to procure an indictment against the members of your Municipal
Court for the part they acted in trying the _habeas corpus_
petitions. Through the efforts of myself and Dr. Hickock, that
result was prevented, and T. B. Johnson exposed. The boat is
casting off, and I must close. Dr. Dunlop will write to apprise you
of the William and Wilson Law's proceedings here. You will hear
from me again soon.
Yours truly,
H. T. HUGINS.
GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH, Nauvoo, Ill.
The mob is still increasing in numbers at Carthage and other places.
{495} It is reported that William and Wilson Law have laid a plan
to burn the printing office of the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ this night. I
therefore stationed a strong police round the premises and throughout
the city.
The captain of the steamer _Osprey_ called upon me.
[Sidenote: Charge of Threats Against Foster's Life.]
About 11 p.m. a negro came into my office with an open letter, without
any date or name, and said that Dr. Foster gave it to him at Madison
to give Henry O. Norton. In that letter Foster said that Dunham and
Richards swore in my presence that they would kill him (Foster) in two
days, and that there was a man in Madison would swear he had heard them
say so at my house.
I closed the issuing of orders about 12 at night, ready to retire to
rest. Pleasant weather.
To refute the lying slanders of the _Warsaw Signal,_ as published in
the proceedings of a meeting held at Carthage an the 13th instant, I
insert the following certificate. [1]
TO THE PUBLIC.
We, whose names are undersigned, having seen in the _Warsaw
Signal,_ containing the proceedings of a meeting held at Carthage
on the 13th instant, many statements calculated to arouse the
indignation and wrath of the people against the citizens of Nauvoo,
do certify that Hyrum Smith did not make any threats, nor offer any
reward against the _Signal_ or its editor in the City Council.
John Taylor, George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson, Phinehas Richards,
William Boles, Thomas Smith, George P. Stiles, Edward Hunter, W.
W. Phelps, Moses F. Clark, Alanson Ripley, Levi Richards, Orson
Spencer, Addison Everett, John P. Greene, Philip B. Lewis.
NAUVOO, June 17, 1844.
{496} A _Nauvoo Neighbor_ extra was issued with the following editorial:
TO THE PUBLIC.
As a soft breeze on a hot day mellows the air, so does the simple
truth calm the feelings of the irritated; and so we proceed to give
the proceedings of the City Council relating to the removal of the
_Nauvoo Expositor_ as a nuisance. We have been robbed, mobbed and
plundered with impunity some two or three times; and as every heart
is more apt to know its own sorrows, the people of Nauvoo had ample
reason, when such characters as the proprietors and abettors of
the _Nauvoo Expositor_ proved to be before the City Council, to be
alarmed for their safety.
The men who got up the press were constantly engaged in resisting
the authority or threatening something. If they were fined, an
appeal was taken, but the slander went on; and when the paper came,
the course and the plan to destroy the city was marked out. The
destruction of the city charter and the ruin of the Saints was the
all-commanding topic.
Our lives, our city, our charter and our characters are just as
sacred, just as dear, and just as good as other people's; and while
no friendly arm has been extended from the demolition of our press
in Jackson county, Missouri, without law, to this present day, the
City Council with all the law of nuisance, from Blackstone down to
the Springfield charter, knowing that if they exceeded the law of
the land a higher court could regulate the proceedings, abated the
_Nauvoo Expositor_.
The proceedings of the Council show, as sketched out, that there
was cause for alarm. The people, when they reflect, will at once
say that the feelings and rights of men ought to be respected.
All persons otherwise, who, without recourse to justice, mercy or
humanity, come out with inflammatory publications, destructive
resolutions, or more especially extermination, show a want of
feeling a want of respect and a want of religious toleration that
honorable men will deprecate among Americans as they would the
pestilence, famine, or horrors of war. It cannot be that the people
are so lost to virtue as to coolly go to murdering men, women and
children. No; candor and common sense forbid it!
Dr. Richards and Thomas Bullock sat up all last night writing the
proceedings of the City Council for the press.
_Tuesday, 18.--_At 8 a.m. the Legion assembled according to orders, and
organized at 9 a.m., under Acting Major-General Jonathan Dunham. The
first cohort under the command of Colonel Stephen Markham, acting {497}
Brigadier-General, and the second cohort under Colonel Hosea Stout,
acting Brigadier-General.
Just before, I was informed that there were several boxes of arms
landed at the upper stone house, which were secured by the Marshal.
Soon after it was discovered that the arms (40 stand) had been sent by
Henry G. Sherwood, and the Marshal bought them for the city.
About 1:45 p.m. I proclaimed the city under martial law, and caused the
following orders to be issued from the Mayor's office:
DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW.
PROCLAMATION.
MAYOR'S OFFICE, CITY OF NAUVOO,
June 18th, 1844.
_To the Marshal or the City of Nauvoo_:
From the newspapers around us, and the current reports as brought
in from the surrounding country, I have good reason to fear that a
mob is organizing to come upon this city, and plunder and destroy
said city, as well as murder the citizens; and by virtue of the
authority vested in me as Mayor, and to preserve the city and the
lives of the citizens, I do hereby declare the said city, within
the limits of its incorporation, under martial law. The officers,
therefore, of the Nauvoo Legion, the police as well as all others,
will strictly see that no persons or property pass in or out of the
city without due orders.
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
About 2 p.m. the Legion was drawn up in the street close by the
Mansion. I stood in full uniform on the top of the frame of a building.
Judge Phelps read the _Warsaw Signal_ extra of the 17th, wherein all
the "old citizens" were called upon to assist the mob in exterminating
the leaders of the Saints and driving away the people.
I addressed the Legion for about an hour and a half.
[The following synopsis of this address was compiled by George A.
Smith, from the verbal reports of Joseph G. Hovey, William G. Sterrett,
Robert Campbell and many others who heard the Prophet on the occasion]:
{498}
_The Last Speech of President Smith to the Legion_.
It is thought by some that our enemies would be satisfied with my
destruction; but I tell you that as soon as they have shed my blood
they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells
a single spark of the spirit of the fullness of the Gospel. The
opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of
all righteousness. It is not only to destroy me, but every man and
woman who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to
teach to this generation.
We have never violated the laws of our country. We have every
right to live under their protection, and are entitled to all the
privileges guaranteed by our state and national constitutions. We
have turned the barren, bleak prairies and swamps of this state
into beautiful towns, farms and cities by our industry; and the
men who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, &c.,
are those who themselves violate the laws, steal and plunder from
their neighbors, and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth
lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes
by bringing destruction upon this innocent people. I call God,
angels and all men to witness that we are innocent of the charges
which are heralded forth through the public prints against us by
our enemies; and while they assemble together in unlawful mobs to
take away our rights and destroy our lives, they think to shield
themselves under the refuge of lies which they have thus wickedly
fabricated.
We have forwarded a particular account of all our doings to the
Governor. We are ready to obey his commands, and we expect that
protection at his hands which we know to be our just due.
We have taken the counsel of Judge Thomas, and have been tried
before a civil magistrate on the charge of riot--not that the law
required it, but because the Judge advised it as a precautionary
measure, to allay all possible pretext for excitement. We were
legally acquitted by Esq. Wells, who is a good judge of law. Had
we been before the Circuit, the Supreme, or any other court of law
in the state or nation, we would have been acquitted, for we have
broken no law.
Constable Bettisworth came here with a writ requiring us to go
before Mr. Morrison, "or some other justice of the peace of the
county," to answer to the charge of riot. We acknowledged ourselves
his prisoners, and were ready to go before any magistrate in any
precinct in this part of the county, or anywhere else where our
lives could be protected from the mob who have published the
resolutions for our extermination which you have just heard read.
This is a privilege the law guarantees to us, and which the writ
itself allows. He broke the law and refused us this privilege,
declaring that we should go before Morrison {499} in Carthage, and
no one else, when he knew that a numerous mob was collected there
who are publicly pledged to destroy our lives.
It was under these circumstances that we availed ourselves of the
legal right of the ancient, high, and constitutional privilege of
the writ of_ habeas corpus,_ and were brought before the Municipal
Court of this city and discharged from the illegal detention under
which we were held by Constable Bettisworth. All mob-men, priests,
thieves, and bogus makers, apostates and adulterers, who combine to
destroy this people, now raise the hue and cry throughout the state
that we resist the law, in order to raise a pretext for calling
together thousands more of infuriated mob-men to murder, destroy,
plunder and ravish the innocent.
We are American citizens. We live upon a soil for the liberties of
which our fathers periled their lives and spilt their blood upon
the battlefield. Those rights so dearly purchased, shall not be
disgracefully trodden under foot by lawless marauders without at
least a noble effort on our part to sustain our liberties.
Will you all stand by me to the death, and sustain at the peril
of your lives, the laws of our country, and the liberties and
privileges which our fathers have transmitted unto us, sealed with
their sacred blood? ("Aye!" shouted thousands.) He then said,
"It is well. If you had not done it, I would have gone out there
(pointing to the west) and would have raised up a mightier people."
I call upon all men, from Maine to the Rocky Mountains, and from
Mexico to British America, whose hearts thrill with horror to
behold the rights of freemen trampled under foot, to come to the
deliverance of this people from the hand of oppression, cruelty,
anarchy and misrule to which they have long been made subject.
Come, all ye lovers of liberty, break the oppressor's rod, loose
the iron grasp of mobocracy, and bring to condign punishment all
those who trample under foot the glorious Constitution and the
people's rights. [Drawing his sword, and presenting it to heaven,
he said] I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my
sword with a firm and unalterable determination that this people
shall have their legal rights, and be protected from mob violence,
or my blood shall be spilt upon the ground like water, and my body
consigned to the silent tomb. While I live, I will never tamely
submit to the dominion of cursed mobocracy. I would welcome death
rather than submit to this oppression; and it would be sweet, oh,
sweet, to rest in the grave rather than submit to this oppression,
agitation, annoyance, confusion, and alarm upon alarm, any longer.
I call upon all friends of truth and liberty to come to our
assistance; and may the thunders of the Almighty and the forked
lightnings of heaven and pestilence, and war and bloodshed come
down on those ungodly {500} men who seek to destroy my life and the
lives of this innocent people.
I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice
for this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body,
and their power is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never
flinch. Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to
die for the truth, will lose eternal life. Hold out to the end,
and we shall be resurrected and become like Gods, and reign in
celestial kingdoms, principalities, and eternal dominions, while
this cursed mob will sink to hell, the portion of all those who
shed innocent blood.
God has tried you. You are a good people; therefore I love you
with all my heart. Greater love hath no man than that he should
lay down his life for his friends. You have stood by me in the
hour of trouble, and I am willing to sacrifice my life for your
preservation.
May the Lord God of Israel bless you for ever and ever. I say it
in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and in the authority of the Holy
Priesthood, which He hath conferred upon me.
(The people said "Amen.")
Hyrum said that the statement of Sharp in the _Warsaw Signal,_ that he
(Hyrum) had threatened to take his life, was false as hell--there was
not a syllable of truth in it.
About 3:15 p.m., I took the command, and with my staff rode in front of
the Legion, marched up Main Street, and returned to our former parade
ground. The number on parade was very large, considering the number
of Elders who had been sent on missions. After dismissing the Legion
to their several commands, I returned home and gave orders to the
several commanders only to receive official communications through my
aides-de-camp, the proper official channel. I appointed Edward Bonney
one of my aids-de-camp.
Truman Gillett, Jr., made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: Truman Gillett--the Treachery of William Law_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss.
June 18th, 1844.--Personally appeared Truman Gillett, Jr., before
me, Willard Richards, recorder of the city of Nauvoo; and after
being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that on or about the first day
of June, 1842, while passing up the Ohio river on the steamboat
_Massachusetts_, {501} deponent overheard two men, one a resident of
Missouri and the other of Ohio, as reported, conversing together
concerning incidents on the Upper Mississippi, when one said to the
other. "If Law could have succeeded in getting an introduction for
us to Joe Smith, damn him, we would have gagged him and nabbed him;
and, damn him, all hell could not have rescued him from our hands."
The next morning deponent got in conversation with the man before
mentioned from Missouri, who stated that he had been on the Upper
Mississippi on business; that he stopped at Nauvoo on his way down
with some twelve or fourteen other men, who laid a plan to kidnap
Joe Smith; that some of the company queried about getting access
to him, but one of them said he knew they could if he could find
William Law. They called on William Law in the evening to get an
introduction to their great Prophet, and Law went with them to the
gate, where they were stopped by the police; "and it was well for
him that we did not succeed in getting an introduction to him."
Deponent said, "Did William Law know your business?" And he said
"Yes." Deponent asked, "What have you against Joseph Smith? Did he
ever injure you?" The man replied, "No, but he has others." "Did
you ever see him?" "Yes. I was one who helped to run the Mormons
from Missouri," and related many circumstances concerning the
Missouri mob.
Deponent said to the man, he was acquainted with William Law;
considered he was an honorable man, and was led to doubt his being
engaged with them in a conspiracy against Joseph Smith. He replied,
"G--d d--n you, it is true, whether you believe it or not," and
repeatedly affirmed it. Deponent did not believe the statements of
the man from Missouri as mentioned above until after hearing the
recent developments before the City Council.
TRUMAN GILLETT, JR.
[Seal]
Sworn and subscribed at the time and place above written, before me.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder C. N.
At 8 p.m. I wrote the following:
_Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins--Congratulating Jeremiah
Smith on his release_.
NAUVOO, ILL., June 18th, 1844.
_H. T. Hugins. Esq_.
SIR.--I received your communication from Burlington per Captain
Anderson; also Dr. Hickock's from Springfield; and feel grateful
for your favors, and congratulate you and Mr. Smith also.
The enemy, or mob, is prowling in the southern and eastern part of
{502} the county, and threatening us with extermination; and we ask
the friends of peace and good government everywhere to use their
influence in suppressing the spirit of mobocracy, and sustain us in
our righteous course.
So far as you can conscientiously speak in our behalf, and lend
your influence in our favor for the public good your favors will be
highly appreciated.
Please show this to Dr. Hickock and such confidential friends as
you think proper. Also request Mr. Dunlop to direct his letter to
me.
The bearer, Dr. Wakefield, will give you all particulars.
In haste, I remain your friend, respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH.
I sent the letter by Dr. Wakefield to Burlington.
[Sidenote: Governor Ford's Treatment of the Mob.]
Nine messengers arrived from Carthage, and report that the mob had
received intelligence from the Governor, who would take no notice of
them; and they damned the Governor as being as bad as Joe Smith. They
did not care for him, and they were just as willing he would not help
them as if he would.
There was a body of armed men in Carthage, and a mob meeting at
Fountain Green, which attracted considerable attention.
[Sidenote: Threat Against the Prophet's Life.]
Shadrach Roundy, a policeman, reported at 10 p.m., after I had retired,
that a man by the name of Norton had threatened to shoot me. An
examination was immediately had, but no proof was found.
This evening I appointed Theodore Turley Armorer-General of The Legion.
I insert the following affidavit:
_Affidavit, Canfield and Belknap--Concerning Threats of Invasion
from Missouri_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss.
HANCOCK COUNTY, June 18, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the
peace, Cyrus Canfield and Gilbert Belknap, of Hancock county; and
being duly sworn depose and say that on yesterday, June 17th, 1844,
{503} certain persons--to-wit, Dr. Barnes and Joseph H. Jackson,
having entered into conversation with your deponents, among
other things declared that the Governor of Illinois was as big a
scoundrel as Joseph Smith, and that he is the d--dest scoundrel
that was ever suffered to live; that they did not care for the
Governor, and had rather that the Governor would side with Smith;
that they (the mob) were coming to Nauvoo with a sufficient force
to take Smith; and if the people endeavored to prevent them, they
should kill the people; and that if Smith had left Nauvoo, they
had determined to destroy the Mansion and other buildings. And
your deponents further say that one John Eller declared that he
had lived in Missouri and was at the massacre of the Mormons at
Haun's Mill, that he had killed one Mormon, and that he had left
Missouri on purpose to fight the Mormons, and would hunt a Mormon
as he would a deer. And your deponents further say that they heard
that about one hundred persons had already arrived from Missouri,
and were expecting as many more from that State. And your deponents
further say, that they heard in Carthage that they had already
received a number of guns and ammunition and provisions from St.
Louis, in order to prosecute their attack upon Nauvoo. And, further
your deponents say not.
CYRUS CANFIELD,
GILBERT BELKNAP.
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this eighteenth day of June,
1844.
AARON JOHNSON,
A Justice of the Peace.
Footnotes:
1. This was published in the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ impressions of June 19
1844.
{504}
CHAPTER XXIV.
ATTEMPTS TO DRAFT SAINTS INTO MOB SERVICE AGAINST NAUVOO--THREATENED
INVASION FROM MISSOURI--JAMES A. BENNETT URGED TO COME TO NAUVOO.
_Wednesday, June 19, 1844.--_The Legion assembled on the parade-ground.
A company of the Legion came in from Green Plains about 11 a.m. I met
them at the front of the Mansion, and an escort came down from the
parade-ground below the Temple and escorted them to the ground.
At 1 p.m. a company of volunteers arrived from Iowa and were also
escorted to the parade-ground.
[Sidenote: Effort to Draft Chester Loveland into Mob Service.]
On Sunday, the 16th, a committee of the mob, headed by James Charles,
a constable of Hancock county, went to the house of Captain Chester
Loveland, who lives four miles southeast of Warsaw, and required him to
call out his company to join the _posse_ of David Bettisworth to go to
Nauvoo and arrest me and the City Council. He peremptorily refused to
comply with their request. The same _posse_ returned on the 17th with
an order, as they stated, from the Governor, which Loveland believed
(and no doubt correctly) to be a forgery, and therefore still refused
to go on any terms. The _posse_ then reported his refusal to Colonel
Williams, who appointed a committee of twelve to lynch, tar and feather
Captain Loveland on the 18th; which committee went that evening and
arrived about midnight.
Loveland, who had been informed of Williams' order, prepared himself
for defense and kept watch. As soon as they came and he saw their
number, and that they were {505} provided with tar bucket, bag of
feathers and a bundle of withes, in addition to their fire-arms, he
blew out his light and placed himself in a suitable position to defend
the door (which he had fastened) and the window. They went around his
house several times, tried his door, rapped, called him by name, and
consulted together. Some were for breaking the door; others thought
it too dangerous. They knew he must be in there, for they were near
his door when the light was blown out. Finally their courage failed;
and notifying him to leave the country immediately, they took their
departure. During this trying time Loveland did not speak.
[Sidenote: Roads Leading into Nauvoo Picketed.]
In the afternoon I gave orders to General Dunham to have a picket-guard
under Col. Markham, posted on all the roads leading out of the city;
also an inner guard, under Major Jesse P. Harmon, posted in all the
streets and alleys in the city, and also on the river bank. I also gave
orders to have all the powder and lead in the city secured, and to see
that all the arms were in use, and that all unclaimed arms be put in
the hands of those who could use them.
I insert the affidavit of Anson Call, David Evans and William E. Horner:
_Affidavit: Call, Evans and Horner--Treatment of Nauvoo Committee
by Levi Williams, et al_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss.
HANCOCK COUNTY, June 19, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, justice of the peace
of said county, Anson Call, David Evans and William E. Horner, of
Hancock county and state aforesaid; and being duly sworn, depose
and say that on Monday, the 17th instant, we started for Rocky Run
precinct, and arrived yesterday. We then went to Col. Williams' of
that place, and there soon assembled twenty or thirty men. We were
informed that Col. Williams had gone to Lima to get the colonel
there to bring on his regiment. We then informed them that we were
delegated on behalf of the people of Nauvoo to transact business
with them. {506} They informed us they had a committee set apart to
do their business, and that one was absent, and the other two would
shortly be here. That while a person was seeking the two men, we
observed to the people that General Smith was willing to be tried
in any state, for any crime of supposed crime that he had ever
committed, except in the state of Missouri.
One of the persons objected to General Smith being tried by the
Municipal Court in Nauvoo, and declared that nothing else would do
but for him to be taken upon the old writ, and by the same person
who took him in custody before, and tried at the place where the
writ was issued.
It was then observed that Judge Thomas had advised General Smith
to enter into bonds to be tried before the Circuit Court, and this
would allay all the excited feelings of the people.
It was then moved by one of their company, and sanctioned by the
people, that a committee should wait on the Judge who gave General
Smith this advice, and give him a coat of tar and feathers; when
one John Elliott, of notoriety, agreed to find the tar and feathers
for that purpose.
After some further conversation, a man whom they called Lawyer
Stephens came in from Warsaw, and asked where Col. Williams was.
He was told that he had gone to Lima. They then observed to the
lawyer that we were delegates from Nauvoo, when he replied. "We are
expecting delegates, too, at Warsaw;" and he said the people were
talking of introducing them to the Mississippi river; and says he,
"Gentlemen, you can do with your delegates what you think proper."
A Mr. Crawford, one of the committee, observed that he went against
such proceedings, and advised them as a body to keep cool. They
then told the lawyer the advice that the Judge of the Circuit
Court had given to General Smith, when he said it was unlawful
advice, and it was a second time moved and assented to that a
committee should wait on Judge Thomas and give him a coat of tar
and feathers. The remainder of the committee having come in, they
stated to us that they had written to the Governor to obtain aid
from other counties; and if the Governor did not send them aid,
they were too weak to go themselves now, but were summoning all the
people that would come into the county until they got force enough
to come up and take Joseph Smith with the first warrant, and take
him to the place where the writ was first issued; and nothing less
than that would satisfy the people.
ANSON CALL,
DAVID EVANS,
WM. E. HORNER.
Sworn and subscribed to this 19th day of June, 1844.
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
{507} From the best information they could learn, there were two
hundred armed men at Rocky Run precinct, two hundred at Warsaw, two
hundred in Missouri, and the whole receiving constant additions.
At 9 p.m. I was at home. The city all quiet.
[Sidenote: Preparations for an Attack.]
_Thursday, 20.--_At daybreak I went with my staff and Major-General
Dunham to the prairie, to view the situation of the ground, and to
devise plans for the defense of the city, and select the proper
locations to meet the mob, and made arrangements for provisions for the
city, instructing my agent to pledge my farms for the purpose.
[Sidenote: Report of Dr. Southwick.]
At 10 a.m. Dr. Southwick from Louisiana arrived, and reported that
there was not much excitement in St. Louis; that a cannon had arrived
at Warsaw from Quincy, and that it had been reported to him that there
was great excitement in Upper Missouri.
At 11, I reviewed the Legion facing the Mansion, and went to parade on
the banks of the river.
I insert the affidavit of Carlos W. Lyon.
_Affidavit: Carlos W. Lyon_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss
On the 20th day of June, 1844, came before me, Willard Richards,
recorder of the city aforesaid, Carlos W. Lyon; and after being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith that while at St. Louis, Mo., on
Monday, the 17th instant, it was a common topic that they were
furnishing arms and ammunition to be sent by steamboat to Warsaw,
Illinois; and said if the people of Warsaw need five hundred men,
to give notice by the steamer _Boreas_, and the men should be sent
from St. Louis to Warsaw; and that your said affiant also saw a
cannon landed from the steamer_ Mermaid_ at Warsaw; and further he
saith not.
CARLOS W. LYON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of June, 1844,
WILLARD RICHARDS,
Recorder of the City of Nauvoo.
{508} Wrote to John Tyler, President of the United States, as follows:
_An Appeal to President Tyler_.
CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 20th, 1844.
SIR.--I have just enclosed to the Governor of the State of Illinois
copies of the enclosed affidavits and extra. I am sorry to say
that the State of Missouri, not contented with robbing, driving
and murdering many of the Latter-day Saints, are now joining the
mob of this state for the purpose of the "utter extermination" of
the Mormons, as they have resolved. And now, sir, as President
of the United States, will you render that protection which the
Constitution guarantees in case of "insurrection and rebellion,"
and save the innocent and oppressed from such horrid persecution?
With great respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
JOHN TYLER, President of the U. S., Washington, D. C.
I here insert affidavits of Hiram B. Mount and John Cunningham:
_Affidavit: Mount and Cunningham--Attempt to Draft them into the
Mob Service_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of
the peace in and for the county of Hancock, Hiram B. Mount and John
Cunningham, who being duly sworn, depose and say that George Baker,
John Banks, Joseph Barber, and two others came to your deponents on
Saturday the 15th inst., at Morley Settlement, in said county, and
demanded our arms. We replied that we had none, when they required
of us to go with them to Nauvoo to take Joseph Smith and other
prisoners, and they promised to supply us with arms. Second, if we
would not do so, that we were required to leave our homes and go to
Nauvoo. We must either go against Smith, or take part with him.
They then told us they intended to go to Nauvoo to take Smith; and
if they could not take him, they would take some of the head men
of Smith's clan, and hold them under bonds of death until Smith
was delivered up to them. And your deponents further say that John
Banks {509} told them if they could not get volunteers enough, they
would get a force that would take him.
HIRAM B. MOUNT,
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, (x--his mark).
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
_Affidavit: Allen T. Wait--Attempt to Draft him into Mob Service_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice
of the peace in and for said county, Allen T. Wait, of Morley
Settlement in said county; and being first duly sworn, deposeth and
saith that on Saturday morning he was at the house of Colonel Levi
Williams, when he told me that I must take up arms and go and fight
against Joseph Smith, or I must leave the place immediately, or
else I must give up my arms and stay at home.
He also said they would take Smith by law if they could; or if the
Governor would not grant a writ to take him they would take him
anyhow. He also said, if the people would not give Smith up, they
would lay the whole city of Nauvoo in ashes.
I inquired what they would do with those people of Nauvoo who would
not fight? He said they must make some signal, or else they must
share the same fate--they must all perish, men, women, and children.
I then left in order to go home, when Captain Harrison P. Crawford
overtook me, and told me if the Governor would not help them they
did not care for the Governor anyhow. He said Governor Ford was an
unconstitutional man; he had issued two illegal writs, and they
were done so on purpose: and any such man ought not to hold any
office whatever; and they intended to proceed against the Mormons
whether they got any authority from the Governor or not.
ALLAN T. WAIT.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Likewise the affidavit of Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow John Edmiston and
Edmund Durfee.
{510} _Affidavit: Isaac Morley et al.--Attempt to Draft them into
Mob Service_,
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice
of the peace in and for said county, Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow,
John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, all of Hancock county aforesaid;
and being first duly sworn, depose and say that on Saturday, the
15th day of June, 1844, at Morley Settlement in said county,
certain persons--to wit., George Baker, farmer, John Banks, Esq.,
Luther Perry, constable, Joseph Barber, farmer; and another person
whose name we do not know, called upon your deponent, Isaac
Morley, when John Banks said they waited on him to make three
propositions--namely: first, that we were to take up arms, join
with, and go along with them to Nauvoo to arrest one Joseph Smith
and others, about seventeen in number, living in Nauvoo; second,
to remove our effects to Nauvoo; or third, to give up our arms to
them and remain neutral. And said Isaac Morley was required to
notify all the brethren in the neighborhood, and report to the said
committee, which of these propositions we accepted, by 8 o'clock on
Monday morning following; and that one of the above resolutions was
to be complied with within that time.
On the same day said Joseph Barber and Luther Perry went to where
your deponent, Edmund Durfee, was at work in a field in the same
neighborhood, and said they had come to notify him that said Durfee
must comply with one of the above propositions; if not that said
Durfee would smell thunder.
And all your deponents further depose and say that they have
been compelled to leave their homes and flee to Nauvoo for
protection. "For we were afraid to stay there on account of the
mobs threatening to utterly exterminate us," according to a _Warsaw
Signal_ extra of June, 14th, 1844, if we stayed at home; and
further your deponents say not.
ISAAC MORLEY,
GARDNER SNOW,
JOHN EDMISTON,
EDMUND DUFREE.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Also the affidavit of Solomon Hancock, William Garner, and John G.
Lofton:
{511} _Affidavit: Hancock, Garner, Lofton--Attempt to Draft them
into Mob Service_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of
the peace, Solomon Hancock, William Garner and John G. Lofton, who
being first duly sworn, depose and say that on Saturday, the 15th
day of June, 1844, at Morley Settlement in said county, certain
persons,--to wit., John Clark, John Crawford, Jeremiah Bently, and
three others, all farmers, came to your deponents and made three
several propositions to them, to wit: first, that we were to take
up our arms and join with them in going to Nauvoo, to take Joseph
Smith and others prisoners; second, to remove with our effects to
Nauvoo immediately; or, third, to give up our arms to Col. Levi
Williams and remain neutral.
We were ordered to give in our decision on Monday then next by
8 o'clock in the morning; and if we would not agree to their
decision, we must abide the consequences. And in consequence of
mobs gathering in the neighborhood, we have been obliged to leave
our homes in order to save our lives, and are come to Nauvoo for
protection.
Solomon Hancock further deposeth and saith that said John Clark did
on Tuesday, 18th instant, inform your deponent that one of their
party had gone to St. Louis and had obtained three cannon, and were
expecting three companies of volunteers from St. Louis to join them
in going to Nauvoo to exterminate the Mormons; and further your
deponents say not.
SOLOMON HANCOCK,
WILLIAM GARNER,
JOHN G. LOFTON.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON.
Also the affidavit of James Guyman:
_Affidavit: James Guyman--Threats of Invasion from Missouri_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ss
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of
the peace in and for said county, James Guyman, of Green Plains
precinct in said county; and being first duly sworn deposeth
and saith that on Saturday morning, the 15th instant, he was at
Rocky Run precinct, {512} when one Captain Wyers, captain of an
"Independent Anti-Mormon Minute Men Company," came to a house where
your deponent was staying. He inquired for a drum. He wanted either
to borrow it or buy it until the affray with the Mormons was over.
I asked him how he was going to proceed to take Smith. He then said
Missouri had offered to send over two thousand men, to come over to
assist and take him.
I asked whether it was legal for them to come over here. He replied
when they came over the constables were going to summons them, and
also to summons every man who was in or would come into the county.
I asked if it was according to law to proceed that way, and he
replied it was, and he went in for the law and democracy. He said
they had sent two men to the Governor to order the militia out in
their favor to help to take those criminals: and if he would not
do just right, they would execute him by taking his head from his
shoulders.
I replied, "You said you were a democracy man, and went for the
law." I said, "Do you call that democracy or mobocracy?"
He said if they went that far, and if the Governor ordered the
militia against them instead of in favor of them, he would turn
mob, and the militia would join him, and they would take the
Governor's head from his shoulders. He repeated it two or three
times.
I enquired if it was law to go and drive those innocent Mormons who
were living in the neighborhood, or tyrannically compel them to do
things not agreeable to their will? He allowed that in this case it
was.
I asked what he was going to do with these old settlers who would
neither take up arms and fight against Smith nor in favor of him;
when he replied they must fight either for one side or the other,
or they must share the same fate as the Mormons.
Your deponent further saith that he is not a Mormon, and does not
belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and
further saith not.
JAMES GUYMAN.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Also the affidavit of Obadiah Bowen:
_Affidavit: Obadiah Bowen--Attempt to Draft him into Service of
Mob_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ss
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice
{513} of the peace, in and for said county, Obadiah Bowen, of
Morley Settlement, in said county; and being first duly sworn,
deposeth and saith that on Saturday the 15th instant, John Clark
rode up to where I was at work in Morley Settlement, and said he
was afraid the Mormons would come and destroy their property;
"and," said he, "if I have any destroyed by any person, I shall
make my resort upon the nearest Mormons, and take their property in
place of that which shall be taken away;" wherever he could find
it, so long as it was a Mormon's; and that on Tuesday, the 18th
instant, as I was coming from my house to the road leading to Lima,
a mob was at the forks of the road standing still and consulting
together; I came on the road about twenty rods ahead of them. In a
few moments Colonel Levi Williams, John Clark and five others rode
along the same road after me.
I heard them talking about shooting the Mormons, when Clark
said, "It is no disgrace to shoot a Mormon, anyhow," when they
all laughed. They overtook me, and Col. Williams asked me where
I lived. I replied in Morley Settlement. He asked me if I was a
Mormon, when Clark laid it was no odds--he is on their part.
Col. Williams then threatened me, and said I must be sure and be
at his house by nine o'clock in the morning; if not I must either
get out of Morley Settlement, or be served the same sauce as the
Mormons. He gave me to understand that they were going to make a
total destruction of Morley Settlement tomorrow, and I had better
get out of it.
He then talked about Joseph Smith, when I replied I understood
Joseph Smith had a fair trial and was bound over to the Supreme
Court. He said, "If he is not, we do not care, it is illegally
done;" and he should go ahead. He should gather the troops, and
there would be two thousand men landed tomorrow from Missouri. He
said they were volunteers. They should meet next day at Carthage,
and then go against Joseph Smith and demolish the city of Nauvoo,
for have him at any rate they would. He was in a very great
passion, and let out a great many oaths and [said] other things
that I have not mentioned.
In consequence of their threats, and to save our lives, we were
obliged to leave our homes in a very stormy night, and had to cross
a dangerous stream that was swollen by the rain, and was unable to
protect myself from great sufferings and hardships, and came to the
city of Nauvoo for protection.
OBADIAH BOWEN.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Also the affidavit of Alvah Tippitts:
{514} _Affidavit: Alvah Tippetts--Violence of John Williams Upon_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ss
CITY OF NAUVOO. June 20th, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the
peace in and for the said county, Alvah Tippetts, of Warsaw, in
Hancock county and state aforesaid; and being first duly sworn,
deposeth and saith that on Wednesday, June 12th, at Green Plains,
one Col. Levi Williams came to your deponent about sunrise, and
ordered me out of the house that very day.
I replied he was very hasty. He again ordered me out of the house,
and said, if I spoke a word, he would put me out of the house
immediately.
I then took away part of my goods and left the house accordingly,
because I was afraid to stay there another night.
The next day I went back after the remainder of my property, and
called at the house of Col. Levi Williams for some things belonging
to me.
When I arrived there John Williams, the son of said Levi Williams,
aged about twenty-eight years, abused me for placing confidence
in Joseph Smith and the people of Nauvoo. He then took me by the
back of my neck and pushed me away, and said he would not have
such stuff in his house. The second time he pushed me by the neck,
and his foot to my back. He pushed me several times and kicked me.
Again, when in the street, he kept kicking and pushing me, and
abusing me with his tongue. I am sixty-one years old. I did not say
anything to him to cause this abuse; but it was all on account of
my believing that Joseph Smith and the people of Nauvoo would do
nothing but what was according to law.
ALVAH TIPPETTS.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
[Sidenote: Reinforcement for Nauvoo from Ramus.]
I had sent orders to Captain Almon W. Babbitt, commander of the company
at Ramus, to come immediately with his company to Nauvoo, and help to
defend the place; and this morning my brother-in-law, William McLeary,
informs my that when the letter was read to the company, Babbitt
refused to come, and said it was a foolish move, and {515} objected
to any of the company coming. The company was marshaled into line,
when Babbitt said, "If any of you go, not one will ever get to Nauvoo
alive," when immediately my Uncle John Smith stepped in front of the
line and said, "Every man that goes at the call of the Prophet shall go
and return safe, and not a hair of his head shall be lost; and I bless
you in the name of the Lord."
The company immediately threw the command upon Uriah B. Yager, who
accepted of it, and started for Nauvoo, although many of them were
destitute of boots or shoes. The company had not traveled five miles
before they suddenly came upon double their number of the mob, who had
two red flags flying, and who had paraded their company and taken a
position in a wood that commanded the road. The company from Macedonia
opened file about ten feet apart and marched past them within rifle
shot, while the mob fired several guns at them, the balls whizzing past
their heads. They came here at daybreak this morning, and I directed
the quartermaster to furnish those who needed with shoes.
I wrote the following letter:
_Letter: Joseph Smith to Ballantyne and Slater--Advice on moving
into Nauvoo_.
NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
BROTHERS BALLANTYNE AND SLATER:--On information from you by J.
McIllrick, I would advise that your families remain where they
are and be quiet, as the mob will not be likely to disturb them;
but any amount of wheat or provisions you may have you had better
remove without delay to Nauvoo, as it will be better for you to
bring it here and have your pay than to leave it for the mob to
consume and destroy.
I remain your brother in Christ Jesus,
JOSEPH SMITH.
BALLANTYNE AND SLATER, Doyles Mills, near Plymouth, Ill.
I here insert the affidavit of John P. Greene and John M. Bernhisel:
{516} _Affidavit: Greene and Bernhisel--Threatened Invasion from
Missouri_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
COUNTY OF HANCOCK, ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO.
On the 20th day of June, 1844, personally appeared before me, Aaron
Johnson, a justice of the peace within and for said county, John
P. Greene, marshal of said city, and John M. Bernhisel; and after
being duly sworn, depose and say that a body of citizens, in a
mass meeting convened on the 13th instant at Carthage, resolved to
exterminate the Latter-day Saints of the said city of Nauvoo, and
for that purpose, according to the purport of the _Warsaw Signal_
extra, dated June 14, 1844, bodies of armed men are coming from
the State of Missouri, and also from the territory of Iowa, and
the cannon and ammunition are being transported from the state
of Missouri to Illinois for the purpose of utterly exterminating
the Latter-day Saints. And your affiants would further state that
these bodies of armed men, cannon, arms, and munitions of war are
transported in steamboats navigating the waters of the United
States, and that the name of one of these boats is the _Die Vernon_.
JOHN P. GREENE,
JOHN M. BERNHISEL.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 20th day of June, 1844.
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Dr. Richards wrote the following:
_Letter: Willard Richards to Jas Arlington Bennett--Affairs in
Nauvoo--Western Movement_.
MAYOR'S OFFICE, NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844.
DEAR GENERAL.--Yours of the 14th of April was received at a late
date. A multiplicity of business on account of the peculiar state
of affairs, has prevented a reply till now. Your views about
the nomination of General Smith for the Presidency are correct.
We will gain popularity and external influence. But this is not
all: we mean to elect him, and nothing shall be wanting on our
part to accomplish it; and why? Because we are satisfied, fully
satisfied, that this is the best or only method of saving our free
institutions from a total overthrow.
You will discover by this day's extra_ Nauvoo Neighbor,_ and
previous papers which I shall forward with this, that we are
already being surrounded by an armed mob; and, if we can believe
a hundredth part of {517} their statements we have no alternative
but to fight or die. All the horrors of Missouri's murders are
crowding thick upon us, and the citizens of this county declare in
mass-meetings, "No peace till the Mormons are utterly exterminated
from the earth." And for what?
A band of thieves, counterfeiters, bogus-makers, gamblers,
debauchers, murderers, and all that is vile, established a
printing-press in this city for the purpose of carrying on
all their hellish plans and overthrowing every principle of
righteousness; and after publishing one number, called the _Nauvoo
Expositor,_ filled on every column with lies and libel the most
dark and damnable it were possible for men or demons on the earth
or in the shades of Gehenna, calculated to destroy every chartered
right to our peaceful city, and constitutional principles to our
nation, being destitute of every vestige of truth, and without one
redeeming quality, either in the paper or the characters of its
publishers.
The City Council, on the 10th instant, ordered the press and
fixtures to be abated as a nuisance which order was executed by
the proper authorities without delay, without noise, tumult or
confusion.
The proprietors immediately evacuated their houses and the city,
and the night following fired one or more of their buildings, just
as they did in Missouri, thinking to raise a hue-and-cry that the
Mormons had done it, and by that means bring a mob on us without
a moment's delay; but our vigilant police discovered the fire and
abated that also.
Chagrined at their disappointment, and drunk with madness, they
next went to Carthage, the county seat and headquarters of
mobocracy, and swore that Joseph and about seventeen others had
committed a riot, and sent a warrant for their apprehension. They
offered to go before any magistrate in the vicinity and answer to
the charge. The officer would not consent, but would take them to
Carthage. They had threatened their lives at Carthage and did not
consider it safe to go thither, and prayed out a writ of _habeas
corpus_ from the Municipal Court, and were set free.
This only enraged the mob the more, and another writ was issued
by a county magistrate in the vicinity, not a Mormon, before whom
they were brought, and every exertion made to convict them, but the
magistrate discharged them.
This does not satisfy them. They are determined to have "Joe
Smith," brought before themselves for trial at the headquarters
of mobocracy swearing that all they want is to get him out of the
city; and they will shoot the "damned rascal."
Cannon, ammunition and men are passing over the Mississippi from
Missouri to Illinois, and the mob is collected by hundreds at
different points in the county swearing everlasting vengeance; and
when their oaths and writs will end, God knows.
{518} We have sent messengers to the Governor, but had no returns,
and shall dispatch messages to the President of the United States
next boat.
If the virtuous part of the community, the state, the nation,
will come to the rescue of innocence and the rights our fathers
bled to purchase, that our peace and happiness may be secured to
us in common with others, it is all we ask; but if they will not,
and the mob goes on, we say a dishonorable life is worse than an
honorable death, and we are ready for the onset; and we call upon
all patriots, far and near, to lend a helping hand to put down the
mob and restore peace.
If this is not done immediately, and the mob attempt to execute
their threats, you may soon have the opportunity of beholding that
glorious "vision in the west" you have sublimely contemplated in
your letter.
I write you at this time at the request of the Prophet, and I
invite you to come to our assistance with as many volunteers as you
can bring. And if the mob cannot be dispersed, and the Government
will not espouse our righteous cause, you may soon, very soon,
behold the second birth of our nation's freedom; for live without
the free exercise of thought, and the privilege of worshiping God
according to the dictates of our consciences, we will not! We will
die rather, and go where the wicked cease to trouble. But we firmly
believe there are virtuous men and patriots enough yet left to
sustain those principles which alone are worth living for. Will you
come?
Here is Oregon. Here is California. Where is your ambition?
Patriotism? Your "separate and independent empire," if you sit
calmly still and see the most virtuous and noble people that ever
trod upon the footstool of Jehovah ground to powder by a miscreant
mob and not stretch forth your potent arm for their defense in all
the majesty of a God? If you do not, your turn may come next; and
where will it cease?
Let the first blow be struck upon us from this hour, and this field
is open for every honest patriot from the east to the west sea, and
from the river Mississippi to the ends of the earth.
General, will you stand neutral? Come, and you will know for
yourself.
I close in haste, with good wishes to yourself and family.
W. RICHARDS.
GENERAL J. A. BENNETT,
Arlington House, N. Y.
{519}
CHAPTER XXV.
THE TWELVE CALLED FROM EASTERN MISSION--GOVERNOR FORD AT
CARTHAGE--NAUVOO DELEGATION TO GOVERNOR--THREATS AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST
THE PROPHET'S LIFE--GOVERNOR FORD INVITED TO NAUVOO TO INVESTIGATE
CONDITIONS.
[Sidenote: The Apostles Called Home.]
_Thursday, June 20, 1844 [continued].--_I wrote to those of the Twelve
Apostles who are absent on missions to come home immediately, namely,
Brigham Young, Boston; Heber C. Kimball, Washington; Orson Hyde,
Philadelphia; Parley P. Pratt, New York; Orson Pratt, Washington;
Wilford Woodruff, Portage, New York; William Smith, Philadelphia;
George A. Smith, Peterboro; John E. Page, Pittsburgh; and Lyman Wight,
Baltimore. Also to Amasa Lyman, Cincinnati, Ohio, and George Miller,
Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky. I sent the letters by express by
Aaron M. York to the Illinois river, on account of the stoppage of the
mails.
At 8 p.m. Thomas Bullock came and read to me the affidavits of Isaac
Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston, Edmund Durfee, Solomon Hancock,
Allen T. Waite, James Guyman, Obadiah Bowen, Alvah Tippetts, Hiram
B. Mount, and John Cunningham, with the affiants; and afterward the
affidavits were all sworn to before Aaron Johnson, Esquire.
Ten p.m. John Pike and Henry Gates went to the quarters of the
Major-General, and informed him they had seen a number of men driving
about three hundred head of cattle in the direction of the mob camp.
The drovers reported themselves as having come from Missouri, and were
about nine miles from Nauvoo.
[Sidenote: A Prophecy--No Gun Fired on Part of Saints.]
{520} I gave directions to Theodore Turley to commence the manufacture
of artillery. He asked me if he should not rent a building, and set
some men to repairing the small arms which were out of order. I told
him in confidence that there would not be a gun fired on our part
during this fuss.
I extract the following from a letter from Robert D. Foster dated
"Carthage, June 20th, 1844, to John Proctor, Sen., Nauvoo."
_Letter: Robert D. Foster to John Proctor--Fragment--Instruction as
to Property_.
We have a hundred barrels of flour here for the folks, and Nauvoo
has no means to live, only from the country, and that is cut off
sure. There are thousands of armed men ready now and thousands more
coming from Missouri and the country around. Tell John to sleep
in the barn, and take care of fire and robbery, and all my things
there, as I shall be home soon. Tell Amos Davis to keep his eyes
open, as we learn that consecration law will soon commence on him.
This we know, and he had better look out sharp. Let him read this
sheet. Tell Norton Gibbs and all my boys that I should be glad to
see them a minute, but I cannot come. They must be patient and
faithful, and I will be there and reward every man according to his
desert; and I won't forget the perjured villains there either.
[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith's Fidelity to the Prophet.]
I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family on the next steamboat and
go to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied, "Joseph, I can't leave you." Whereupon
I said to the company present, "I wish I could get Hyrum out of the
way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you
and see it out."
_Friday, 21.--_About 10 a.m. I rode out with my guard up Main Street
past the Major-General's quarters, and reviewed the Legion. I returned
to headquarters about 2:30 p.m., having met Col. Elam L. Freeman and
Mr. Bartlett, who came as express from the Governor who had arrived at
Carthage this morning, and they delivered me the following letter:
{521} _Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of Nauvoo Asking
Representatives to Meet him at Carthage_.
HEADQUARTERS CARTHAGE, June 21st, 1844.
_To the Honorable the Mayor and Common Council of the City of
Nauvoo_:
GENTLEMEN.--Having heard of the excitement in this part of the
country, and judging that my presence here might be necessary to
preserve the peace and enforce the laws, I arrived at this place
this morning. Both before and since my arrival, complaints of a
grave character have been made to me of certain proceedings of
your honorable body. As chief magistrate, it is my duty to see
that impartial justice shall be done, uninfluenced either by the
excitement here or in your city.
I think before any decisive measure shall be adopted, that I ought
to hear the allegations and defenses of all parties. By adopting
this course I have some hope that the evils of war may be averted,
and, at any rate, I will be enabled by it to understand the true
merits of the present difficulties, and shape my course with
reference to law and justice.
For these reasons I have to request that you will send out to me
at this place, one or more well-informed and discreet persons, who
will be capable of laying before me your version of the matter, and
of receiving from me such explanations and resolutions as may be
determined on.
Col. Elam L. Freeman will present you this note in the character of
a herald from the Governor. You will respect his character as such
and permit him to pass and repass free from molestation.
Your messengers are assured of protection in person and property,
and will be returned to you in safety.
I am, gentlemen, with high consideration most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS FORD.
Governor and Commander in Chief.
[Sidenote: Joseph H. Jackson at Nauvoo.]
I immediately notified the City Council to meet in session at 4 p.m.
About 11 a.m. a rumor was circulated at General Dunham's headquarters
that Joseph H. Jackson was seen at Davidson Hibberd's. He [Dunham]
ordered out a _posse_ to arrest him, which went accordingly, but
returned without success.
At 4 p.m. I met with the City Council, when the affidavits of the
following persons were read--namely {522} Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow,
John Edmiston, Edward Durfee, Solomon Hancock, William Gardner, John G.
Lofton, Allen T. Waite, James Guyman, Obadiah Bowen, Alvah Tippetts,
Hiram B. Mount, John Cunningham, Cyrus Canfield, Gilbert Belknap,
Anson Call, David Evans, William E. Horner, Stephen Markham, Thomas
G. Wilson, John P. Greene, John M. Bernhisel, Truman Gillett, Jr.,
Carlos W. Lyon, and H. T. Hugins; when Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, Councilor
John Taylor, and Dr. Willard Richards were appointed by the council to
return with the express to the Governor at Carthage, and carry said
affidavits with the following letter:
_Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Submitting Documents_.
NAUVOO, June 21, 1844.
SIR--The affidavits and handbills herewith connected, are submitted
for your Excellency's consideration.
Respectfully, I have the honor to be your Excellency's obedient
servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
THOMAS FORD, Governor of Illinois, Carthage.
Messrs. Taylor and Bernhisel went accordingly, but Dr. Richards tarried
to prepare additional documents.
The following affidavit was taken:
_Affidavit: John P. Greene--Joseph H. Jackson,--Threatens Prophet's
Life_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK CO.,
CITY OF NAUVOO. ss.
June 21st, 1844.--Personally appeared John P. Greene before me,
Willard Richards, recorder of said city; and after being duly
sworn, deposeth and saith that on or about the 27th day of May,
1844, while at Hamilton's tavern, in Carthage, county aforesaid,
in company with Joseph Smith and others, Robert D. Foster called
deponent into a private room, and there and then said, "For God's
sake, don't suffer that man, Joseph Smith, to go out of doors; for
if he steps outside of the door his blood will be spilt;" to which
statement deponent replied he had no such fears; when said Foster
confirmed said statements with considerable emotion, and said he
knew that Smith could not go out of doors, but his blood would be
spilt.
{523} Deponent asked Foster who would do it. Foster said he would
not tell; but he knew the proud spirit of Jackson, that he would
not be insulted, and that he would kill Joseph Smith if he had to
die on the spot; and there were many others in Carthage who would
assist to do the same thing. Joseph H. Jackson was in the house
below at the time.
A day or two previous to the above conversation, while at Carthage
aforesaid, deponent heard Joseph H. Jackson say that Joseph Smith
was the damnedest rascal in the world, and he would be damned if
he did not take vengeance on him, if he had to follow him to the
Rocky Mountains; and said Jackson made many more such like threats
against Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith.
JOHN P. GREENE.
Sworn and subscribed this 21st day of June, 1844, before me,
[Seal]
WILLARD RICHARDS,
Recorder of the city of Nauvoo.
And as this affidavit confirms what was told me in Carthage, I made the
following affidavit:
_Affidavit: Joseph Smith--Conspiracy Against Affiant's Life_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
COUNTY OF HANCOCK. ss.
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 21st, 1844.
Personally appeared Joseph Smith before me, Willard Richards,
recorder of the City of Nauvoo; and after being duly sworn deposeth
and saith that while at Hamilton's tavern at Carthage, in the
county aforesaid, on or about the 27th day of May, 1844, whither
deponent had gone to transact business in the Circuit Court of the
county aforesaid, Charles A. Foster took deponent into a private
room, and told deponent there was a conspiracy against the life of
deponent, and that deponent had not better go out of doors. If he
did, his blood would be shed. Foster said he was deponent's friend,
and did not want to see bloodshed.
JOSEPH SMITH.
[Seal]
Sworn and subscribed this 21st day of June, 1844, before me,
WILLARD RICHARDS,
Recorder of the City of Nauvoo.
I instructed my clerks, Willard Richards, William Clayton, Thomas
Bullock and John McEwan, to prepare all {524} necessary papers and
affidavits ready to be sent to the Governor tomorrow morning.
Joseph Jackson made the two following affidavits:
_Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Francis M. Higbee's Threat to Kill the
Prophet_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO. ss
On the 21st day of June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk
of the Mayor's Court, Joseph Jackson: and after being duly sworn,
deposeth and saith that on Tuesday, the 11th instant, he was in
Nauvoo, when Francis M. Higbee, while speaking of the destruction
of the printing press, said he was very sorry, for the proprietors
had set up that press for the destruction of the city, and that he
meant to kill Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith; and he saith no further.
JOSEPH JACKSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 21st day of June, 1844.
WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C.
_Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Reporting Mob at Pilot Grove_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO. ss
On the 21st day of June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk
of the Mayor's Court for said city, Joseph Jackson; and after
being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that on the 19th day of June
instant, at his residence near Pilot Grove, in the afternoon, about
twenty-four persons fired about twenty-six guns at him, and that
the balls whistled close by his head. Thus this mob, of which John
McKay was one, fired about one hundred guns, but not all at your
affiant; and that this mob was very noisy, cursing and swearing
that they would kill every damned Mormon; and he says no further.
JOSEPH JACKSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 21st day of June, 1844.
WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C.
At 7 p.m. James Emmett went by order of the Sergeant of the Guard at
the Stone House to the Major-General and reported the crew of the _Maid
of Iowa_ for firing five guns contrary to orders, which were, that any
firing of guns was an alarm.
After the news had reached the city of the Governor's {525} arrival at
Carthage, an express was sent to Keokuk to stop an express which I had
sent to the Governor at Springfield before I had learned of his arrival
at Carthage.
An officer of the United States army, having arrested a deserter, came
to Nauvoo, and stayed at my house all night.
Col. Brewer and lady arrived at the Mansion about 9 p.m. Also James W.
Woods, Esq., my attorney from Burlington.
At 10 p.m., Private -- Minor gave information that as he was passing,
an hour since, about two miles out of the city to his home, he was
fired upon by some unknown person. General Stephen Markham ordered out
a detachment to proceed to the designated place, scour that part of the
country, and see that all was right.
[_Saturday, June 22.--_]
_Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Inviting the Governor to
Come to Nauvoo and Investigate Conditions_.
NAUVOO, Saturday Morning, June 22, 1844.
_To His Excellent Thomas Ford, Governor_:
DEAR SIR.--I this morning forward you the remainder of the
affidavits which are ready to present to you, by the hands of a
gentleman who is fully competent to give you information on the
whole subject which has been the cause of the origin of our present
difficulties. I would respectfully recommend the bearer, Col.
Woodworth, as one of my aides, and a man whose testimony can be
relied upon.
I presume you are already convinced that it would be altogether
unsafe for me or any of the City Council to come to Carthage on
account of the vast excitement which has been got up by false
report and libelous publications. Nothing could afford me a greater
pleasure than a privilege of investigating the whole subject before
your Excellency in person; for I have ever held myself in readiness
to comply with your orders and answer for my proceedings before any
legal tribunal in the state.
I would hereby respectfully pray your Excellency to come to Nauvoo,
if congenial with your feelings, and give us a privilege of laying
the {526} whole matter before you in its true colors, and where
abundance of testimony can be forthcoming, to prove every point by
disinterested persons--men of character and of worth and notoriety,
strangers--who were here all the time. But I am satisfied your
Excellency does not wish men to expose the lives of the citizens of
this place by requiring them to put themselves into the power of an
infuriated, blood-thirsty mob, a part of whom have already several
times fired upon our people without the least shadow of cause or
provocation.
I am informed this morning that some gentleman has made affidavit
that he had a private conversation with me, in which I stated that
I had secret correspondence with you, &c. If any person has been
wicked enough to do this, he is a perjured villain; for in the
first place, I do not suffer myself to hold private conversation
with any stranger; and, in the second place, I have never even
intimated anything of the kind as having secret correspondence with
your Excellency.
Our troubles are invariably brought upon us by falsehoods and
misrepresentations by designing men. We have ever held ourselves
amenable to the law; and, for myself, sir, I am ever ready
to conform to and support the laws and Constitution, even at
the expense of my life. I have never in the least offered any
resistance to law or lawful process, which is a well-known fact to
the general public; all of which circumstances make us the more
anxious to have you come to Nauvoo and investigate the whole matter.
Now, sir, is it not an easy matter to distinguish between those
who have pledged themselves to exterminate innocent men, women and
children, and those who have only stood in their own defense, and
in defense of their innocent families, and that, too, in accordance
with the Constitution and laws of the country, as required by the
oaths, and as good and law-abiding citizens?
In regard to the destruction of the press, the truth only needs to
be presented before your Excellency to satisfy you of the justice
of the proceedings. The press was established by a set of men who
had already set themselves at defiance of the law and authorities
of the city, and had threatened the lives of some of its principal
officers, and who also made it no private matter that the press was
established for the express purpose of destroying the city, as will
be shown by the affidavit of Joseph Jackson, and as they stated to
me in their threats.
Mr. Babbitt informs me that reports are in circulation that we
have taken property which belongs to the Messrs. Law and others.
There has been no property meddled with, to my knowledge, belonging
to any person, except property we have purchased of the rightful
owners.
Mr. Law turned over some property to a Mr. Hicks, to pay a debt.
This I purchased of Mr. Hicks, and I am responsible to him for
the {527} amount. We have been especially careful to preserve the
property of those who are exciting the public against us, inasmuch
as we know that every means would be used which could be invented
to raise excitement; and we have appointed the police to watch this
property and see that no harm was done to it by any person, as they
had tried to fire their own building and were detected in the act.
The fire was extinguished by the policemen, and no property damaged.
There have been no prisoners taken in this city, neither any person
held as hostage, only some who are residents of this place, who had
broken the laws. No stranger has been interfered with or detained
in the city under any circumstances.
In haste, I have the honor to remain, dear sir, your most obedient
servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
Lieut.-Gen. N. L.
This letter was accompanied by other affidavits, and was sent by Lucien
Woodworth, who was delegated to go in place of Dr. Richards. He started
at noon in company with Squire Woods of Burlington.
{528}
CHAPTER XXVI.
PREPARATIONS TO DEFEND NAUVOO--MOB MOVEMENTS ON CARTHAGE ROAD--GOVERNOR
FORD'S REVIEW OF HANCOCK COUNTY DIFFICULTIES--JOSEPH SMITH'S ACCOUNT OF
THE SAME DIFFICULTIES, DEFENSE OF HIS OWN AND ASSOCIATES' COURSE.
_Saturday, June 22 [continued].--_Legion met as usual; and after
receiving instructions, were dismissed until 6 p.m., when they met
again.
[Sidenote: Orders for Nauvoo's Entrenchment.]
At 7 p.m. I instructed General Dunham to cause the regiment of the 2nd
cohort to turn out tomorrow, and work by turns three or four hours
each, with entrenching tools, and to take the best measures in case of
attack. I also gave orders that a standard be prepared for the nations.
Almon W. Babbitt arrived from Carthage this morning, having come at the
request of the Governor, who thought it not wisdom to have Richards and
Phelps and others of the City Council go to Carthage.
Edward Robinson made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: Edward Robinson--Threats Against Nauvoo_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO. ss.
On the 22nd day or June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk
of the Mayor's Court, in said city, Dr. Edward Robinson, who, after
being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that while at Carthage, on the
18th and 19th instant, I heard several persons who had assembled
together for warlike purposes, (having their arms and one cannon
with them) say that they were gathering together for the purpose
of destroying the property of General Joseph Smith, or, as they
said, "Joe Smith," and his followers, and the City Council, with
the exception of {529} one; and finally said they would destroy the
town and exterminate the Latter-day Saints.
EDWARD ROBINSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of June, 1843.
WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C.
James Olive made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: James Olive--Mob Movements on the Carthage Road_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ss
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the
peace in and for said county, James Olive; who being first duly
sworn, deposeth and saith that on Friday afternoon, the 21st
instant, about 3 o'clock, he was at his own house, about two miles
from Appanoose. In a southeasterly direction, he saw a four-horse
wagon with some men before it, all traveling towards Appanoose.
They went about a quarter of a mile beyond my house; there met a
two horse wagon and a company of men, about fifteen in number.
Both parties then took the road towards the Big Mound. A part of
the men were mounted and a part were on foot. The mounted men were
forward; and after passing my house, they wheeled and rode back to
the footmen who were some little distance behind, and said to them,
"There are some fellows oh the Mound; you had better hurry on, and
we will take those fellows and carry them to Carthage." They used
profane language. I watched them until they got near the Mound, and
saw the guard on the Mound turn and run towards Nauvoo. After that
the company went on to the Mound, and halted near the spot where
the guard had run from.
On the same evening, about sundown, there was a man by the name
of Milton Hamilton came into my house and told me to arm and
equip myself according to the law and stand in readiness; that
the Governor bad demanded Joseph Smith according to law, and
that he would not come it (meaning that Joseph Smith would not
surrender); that the General had issued orders for the militia to
be in readiness to take said Smith. I asked him what general, and
he observed that he believed it was Col. Williams. I asked him if
it was done by orders of the Governor, and he said that was the
understanding. He told me he acted under the orders of Captain
McAuley; and further saith not.
JAMES OLIVE.
[Seal]
Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
{530} Phebe Levett states that she saw Finch, Rollison, Foster, and
Squire McAuley in the company who fired on the guard on the La Harpe
road.
George G. Johnstone made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: George G. Johnstone--Militia Under Governor to Move on
Nauvoo_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
COUNTY OF HANCOCK. ss
CITY OF NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the
peace in and for the county of Hancock, George G. Johnstone, living
on Spring Creek in McDonough county; who, being first duly sworn,
deposeth and saith that yesterday, Napoleon Hardin came to your
deponent and said that the Governor had sent orders for the militia
to be called out for today at 4 o'clock p.m., and to start on the
22nd to Carthage, there to wait until all were ready from the
different counties in the state, and then they should march out
to the prairie. They should stop on the prairie and send a flag
of truce to Nauvoo, and demand the body of General Joseph Smith.
If the people of Nauvoo refused to give him up, then they should
exterminate the whole of them.
GEORGE G. JOHNSTONE.
[Seal] Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before
me,
AARON JOHNSON, J. P.
Gideon Gibbs made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: Gideon Gibbs--Mob on La Harpe Road_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO. ss
On the 22nd day of June, 1844, came before me, William W. Phelps,
clerk of the Mayor's Court for said city, Gideon Gibbs, and after
being duly sworn deposeth and saith that on the afternoon of the
21st instant, about a half-mile southeast of the Big Mound on the
La Harpe road, a party of about eight or ten men, in a warlike
attitude, in company with two teams, passed your said affiant, and
one of them said he fired at two men near the Big Mound. Thought he
killed them both and your deponent saith no further.
GIDEON GIBBS.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 22nd day of
June, 1844.
WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C.
{531} Luman H. Calkins made the following affidavit:
_Affidavit: Luman H. Calkins--Nauvoo Conspiracy Against the
Prophet's Life_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss
June 22nd, 1844.
Personally appeared before me, George W. Harris, an alderman acting
in and for the city of Nauvoo, Luman H. Calkins; and being first
duly sworn, deposeth and saith that about seven weeks ago I came on
the steamboat _Ohio_ from St. Louis to Nauvoo, when William Nesbit,
who was on board, entered into conversation with your deponent.
I asked him if he knew anything about the conspiracy in Nauvoo to
kill Joseph and Hyrum, and all that believed on them. He said he
did. It was intended that they should be killed between then and
the 1st of July.
I asked him who was at the head of the conspiracy. He replied he
was sworn not to tell who the head one was. I asked him if there
were any in Nauvoo concerned. He replied there was, and named the
two Laws, two Fosters, two Higbees, Charles Ivins, and several
others. I asked if it was to be made a public thing. He replied the
first blow was to be struck in Nauvoo by those who were opposed to
Joseph. I asked how many they could rely on in Nauvoo. He said they
could rely on five hundred, if they could only get arms for them.
He said as soon as the first blow was struck in Nauvoo, there
were about seven thousand men ready in Missouri to join them to
exterminate all who believed on Joseph Smith. He also told me that
the _Die Vernon,_ when she came on her pleasure-trip to Nauvoo,
that there were none but spies, and who came on purpose to see
the places in order to know how to strike when the time comes to
strike: and he also said "the Reformers" had got spies continually
passing Nauvoo in order to spy out all that took place; that there
was not a thing took place in Nauvoo but what was made known to
them in St. Louis as soon as a steamboat landed.
I told him I should think he would be afraid to stop here. He said
he should stay in Nauvoo and carry on his butchering as usual, as
if there was nothing taking place; that he had as good a gun as any
man ever put to his face, and that the first shot he should fire
would be to kill Joseph and Hyrum. Said I, "The people will surely
kill you then." He replied he would rush through a thousand people
to wash his hands in Joseph's blood, and especially in Hyrum's, if
he was to be immediately cut into a thousand pieces. He said he
should be willing to die as soon as he had killed them.
{532} About five weeks since I had another conversation with
William Nesbit, when he confirmed the whole of the foregoing
conversation; and he also said he had made arrangements with Mr.
Bostwick of St. Louis to send him a brace of the best pistols, for
the purpose of being ready when he wanted them. He also said that
he would kill Hyrum any time he could get an opportunity without
being detected. I then asked him if Hyrum could be put in his way
so that no man would mistrust him, would you kill him? He said, "By
God, I would." I asked if he would not be afraid to kill him in
cold blood. He replied, "No, I would not; I would do it in a moment
if I could get an opportunity."
The day following I left for Galena, and returned on Tuesday, the
18th instant, and on the 19th I saw William Nesbit in the ranks,
and I cautioned Richard Brazier to keep an eye on Nesbit, for he
had sworn to wash his hands in Joseph's and Hyrum's blood.
LUMAN H. CALKINS.
Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before me,
GEORGE W. HARRIS,
Alderman of the City of Nauvoo.
At 12, noon, orders were sent to the different guards and pickets to
let persons pass and repass without hailing until further orders.
I issued the following:
GENERAL ORDERS.
MAYOR'S OFFICE AND HEADQUARTERS, OF THE NAUVOO LEGION,
NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844.
_To Col. Jonathan Dunham, Acting Major-General Nauvoo Legion_:
SIR.--You will proceed without delay, with the assistance of the
Nauvoo Legion, to prepare the background [Eastern part] of said
city for defense against an invasion by mobs, cause the Legion to
be furnished with tents, and make your encampment in the vicinity
of your labor.
JOSEPH SMITH,
Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Lieut.-Gen. Nauvoo Legion.
To COL. JONATHAN DUNHAM, Major-General in command Nauvoo Legion.
[Sidenote: A Prophecy.]
At 6 p.m. I prophesied that in the sickly seasons sickness would enter
into the houses of the mob and vex them until they would fain repent in
dust and ashes. They will be smitten with the scab, &c.
At 7 p.m. I received the following:
{533} _A Petition to Hear the Prophet Speak_.
We, the undersigned citizens of Hancock county, respectfully
request General Joseph Smith to preach on tomorrow, and that we
have liberty of seats near enough to the stand to hear, inasmuch as
we have an opportunity to hear him but seldom, and some of us have
not heard him at all.
Yours respectfully,
JAMES HAMILTON AND CO., Capt. at the Liberty Branch.
NATHANIEL CASE, Capt. 7th Co., 4th Reg., 2nd Cohort, N. L. from La
Harpe.