Chapter XXXII
THE DAY OF MARTYRDOM--THREATS--REPEATED WARNINGS OF THE PRISONERS' DANGER GIVEN TO GOVERNOR FORD--THE CARTHAGE GREYS AS GUARDS.
_Thursday, 27, 5 a.m.--_John P. Greene and William W. Phelps called at the jail, on their way to Nauvoo.
[Sidenote: Threats of Frank Worrell.]
_5:30 a.m.--_Arose. Joseph requested Dan Jones to descend and inquire of the guard the cause of the disturbance in the night. Frank Worrell, the officer of the guard, who was one of the Carthage Greys, in a very bitter spirit said, "We have had too much trouble to bring Old Joe here to let him ever escape alive, and unless you want to die with him you had better leave before sundown; and you are not a damned bit better than him for taking his part, and you'll see that I can prophesy better than Old Joe, for neither he nor his brother, nor anyone who will remain with them will see the sun set today."
[Sidenote: Governor Ford Warned of Worrell's Threat.]
Joseph directed Jones to go to Governor Ford and inform him what he had been told by the officer of the guard. While Jones was going to Governor Ford's quarters, he saw an assemblage of men, and heard one of them, who was apparently a leader, making a speech, saying that, "Our troops will be discharged this morning in obedience to orders, and for a sham we will leave the town; but when the Governor and the McDonough troops have left {603} for Nauvoo this afternoon, we will return and kill those men, if we have to tear the jail down." This sentiment was applauded by three cheers from the crowd.
Captain Jones went to the Governor, told him what had occurred in the night, what the officer of the guard had said, and what he had heard while coming to see him, and earnestly solicited him to avert the danger.
His Excellency replied, "You are unnecessarily alarmed for the safety of your friends, sir, the people are not that cruel."
[Sidenote: Jones' Warning to Gov. Ford.]
Irritated by such a remark, Jones urged the necessity of placing better men to guard them than professed assassins, and said, "The Messrs. Smith are American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their lives."
Governor Ford's face turned pale, and Jones remarked, "If you do not do this, I have but one more desire, and that is if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be sacrificed--"
"What is that, sir?" he asked in a hurried tone.
"It is," said Jones, "that the Almighty will preserve my life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely warned of their danger."
Jones then returned to the prison, but the guard would not let him enter. He again returned to the hotel, and found Governor Ford standing in front of the McDonough troops, who were in line ready to escort him to Nauvoo.
[Sidenote: Boasts of the Mob.]
The disbanded mob retired to the rear, shouting loudly that they were only going a short distance out of town, when they would return and kill old Joe and Hyrum as soon as the Governor was far enough out of town.
Jones called the attention of the Governor to the threats {604} then made, but the Governor took no notice of them, although it was impossible for him to avoid hearing them.
Jones then requested the Governor to give him passports for himself and friends to pass in and out of the prison, according to his promise made to the prisoners. He refused to give them, but he told General Deming to give one to Dr. Willard Richards, Joseph Smith's private secretary.
[Sidenote: Chauncy L. Higbee's Declared Intention to Kill the Prophet.]
While obtaining this, Jones' life was threatened, and Chauncey L. Higbee said to him in the street, "We are determined to kill Joe and Hyrum, and you had better go away to save yourself."
At 7 a.m., Joseph, Hyrum, Dr. Richards, Stephen Markham and John S. Fullmer ate breakfast together. Mr. Crane ate with them, and wanted to know if the report was true that Joseph fainted three times on Tuesday, while being exhibited to the troops. He was told it was a false report.
_8 a.m.--_Cyrus H. Wheelock, at Joseph's request, applied to the Governor, and obtained the following passes:
Cyrus H. Wheelock's Passes.
Suffer Mr. C. H. Wheelock to pass in to visit General Joseph Smith and friends in Carthage jail unmolested.
THOMAS FORD,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
June, 27th, 1844.
Protect Mr. C. H. Wheelock in passing to and from Carthage and Nauvoo.
THOMAS FORD,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
June 27th, 1844.
While receiving these passes he related to the Governor the numerous threats he had heard.
John S. Fullmer went to the Governor to get a pass.
_8:20 a.m.--_Joseph wrote to Emma as follows:
{605} Letter: Joseph Smith to Emma Smith--Prophet's Instruction as to Reception of the Governor.
CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27th, 1844.
20 minutes past eight a.m.
DEAR EMMA.--The Governor continues his courtesies, and permits us to see our friends. We hear this morning that the Governor will not go down with his troops today to Nauvoo, as we anticipated last evening; but if he does come down with his troops you will be protected; and I want you to tell Brother Dunham to instruct the people to stay at home and attend to their own business, and let there be no groups or gathering together, unless by permission of the Governor, they are called together to receive communications from the Governor, which would please our people, but let the Governor direct.
Brother Dunham of course will obey the orders of the government officers, and render them the assistance they require. There is no danger of any extermination order. Should there be a mutiny among the troops (which we do not anticipate, excitement is abating) a part will remain loyal and stand for the defense of the state and our rights.
There is one principle which is eternal; it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of the household, whenever necessity requires, and no power has a right to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive, but I anticipate no such extreme, but caution is the parent of safety.
JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S.--Dear Emma, I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified, and have done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children and all my friends, Mr. Brewer, and all who inquire after me; and as for treason, I know that I have not committed any, and they cannot prove anything of the kind, so you need not have any fears that anything can happen to us on that account. May God bless you all. Amen.
_8:30.--_John S. Fullmer returned to jail.
_9:40 a.m.--_Mr. Woods and Mr. Reid called. They said another consultation of the officers had taken place, and the former orders of the Governor for marching to Nauvoo with the whole army were countermanded.
[Sidenote: Dr. Southwick's Report of the Carthage Meeting.]
Dr. Southwick was in the meeting, seeing what was going on. He afterward told Stephen Markham that the purport of the meeting was to take into consideration the best way to stop Joseph Smith's career, as his views on {606} government were widely circulated and took like wildfire. They said if he did not get into the Presidential chair this election, he would be sure to the next time; and if Illinois and Missouri would join together and kill him, they would not be brought to justice for it. There were delegates in said meeting from every state in the Union except three. Governor Ford and Captain Smith were also in the meeting.
[Sidenote: Appointment of the Carthage Greys to Guard the Prisoners.]
Captain Dunn and his company were ordered to accompany the Governor to Nauvoo. The Carthage Greys, who had but two days before been under arrest for insulting the commanding general, and whose conduct had been more hostile to the prisoners than that of any other company, were selected by Governor Ford to guard the prisoners at the jail; and other troops composed of the mob whom the Governor had found at Carthage, and had mustered into the service of the State and who had been promised "full satisfaction" and that they should be marched to Nauvoo, were disbanded and discharged in Carthage; yet Governor Ford suffered two or three hundred armed men to remain encamped about eight miles off on the Warsaw road, [1] apparently under the control of Col. Levi Williams, a notoriously sworn enemy to Joseph, and who had on many occasions threatened the destruction of Nauvoo and the death of Joseph. Moreover it was the duty of {607} the Governor to dismiss the troops into the hands of their several officers in order to be marched home and there disbanded, and not to have disbanded them at a distance from home, and at a time and place when they were predisposed to acts of lawless violence, rapine and murder.
[Sidenote: Wheelock's Remonstrance to Gov. Ford.]
Cyrus H. Wheelock, states that previous to leaving Carthage he said to the Governor, "Sir you must be aware by this time that the prisoners have no fears in relation to any lawful demands made against them, but you have heard sufficient to justify you in the belief that their enemies would destroy them if they had them in their power; and now, sir, I am about to leave for Nauvoo, and I fear for those men; they are safe as regards the law, but they are not safe from the hands of traitors, and midnight assassins who thirst for their blood and have determined to spill it; and under these circumstances I leave with a heavy heart."
Ford replied: "I was never in such a dilemma in my life; but your friends shall be protected, and have a fair trial by the law; in this pledge I am not alone; I have obtained the pledge of the whole of the army to sustain me."
[Sidenote: Arms Given to the Prisoners.]
After receiving these assurances, Wheelock prepared to visit the prison. The morning being a little rainy, favored his wearing an overcoat, in the side pocket of which he was enabled to carry a six shooter, and he passed the guard unmolested. During his visit in the prison he slipped the revolver into Joseph's pocket. Joseph examined it, and asked Wheelock if he had not better retain it for his own protection.
This was a providential circumstance, as most other persons had been very rigidly searched. Joseph then handed the single barrel pistol which had been given him by John S. Fullmer, to his brother Hyrum, and said, {608} "You may have use for this." Brother Hyrum observed, "I hate to use such things or to see them used." "So do I," said Joseph, "but we may have to, to defend ourselves;" upon this Hyrum took the pistol.
Wheelock was intrusted with a verbal request to the commanders of the Legion to avoid all military display, or any other movement calculated to produce excitement during the Governor's visit. He was especially charged to use all the influence he possessed to have the brethren and friends of Joseph remain perfectly calm and quiet, inasmuch as they respected the feelings and well-being of the Prophet and Patriarch.
[Sidenote: Reflections of the Prophet on Exposing Wickedness.]
Said Joseph, "Our lives have already become jeopardized by revealing the wicked and bloodthirsty purposes of our enemies; and for the future we must cease to do so. All we have said about them is truth, but it is not always wise to relate all the truth. Even Jesus, the Son of God had to refrain from doing so, and had to restrain His feelings many times for the safety of Himself and His followers, and had to conceal the righteous purposes of His heart in relation to many things pertaining to His Father's kingdom. When still a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person, and was subject to cold, to hunger and to death. So it is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we have the revelation of Jesus, and the knowledge within us is sufficient to organize a righteous government upon the earth, and to give universal peace to all mankind, if they would receive it, but we lack the physical strength, as did our Savior when a child, to defend our principles, and we have of necessity to be afflicted, persecuted and smitten, and to {609} bear it patiently until Jacob is of age, then he will take care of himself."
Wheelock took a list of witnesses' names that were wanted for the expected trial on Saturday. When the list was read over, a number of names were stricken out, among whom were Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds Cahoon, it being deemed by Brother Hyrum unnecessary for them to attend. Brother Joseph asked why they should not come. Hyrum answered, "They may be very good men, but they don't know enough to answer a question properly." Brother Joseph remarked, "That is sufficient reason."
[Sidenote: The Prisoner's Messages to Friends in Nauvoo.]
The prisoners also sent many verbal messages to their families. They were so numerous that Dr. Richards proposed writing them all down, fearing Wheelock might forget, but Brother Hyrum fastened his eyes upon him, and with a look of penetration said, "Brother Wheelock will remember all that we tell him, and he will never forget the occurrences of this day."
Joseph related the following dream which he had last night:
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Dream of his Kirtland Farm]
"I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the farm.
"While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me.
"The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing it.
"I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and {610} although I had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church.
"He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church.
"I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened me with the destruction of my body.
"While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn about up to my ankles in mud.
"When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the dream or vision ended."
[Sidenote: Testimony of Joseph and Hyrum to the Book of Mormon.]
Both Joseph and Hyrum bore a faithful testimony to the Latter-day work, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and prophesied of the triumph of the Gospel over all the earth, exhorting the brethren present to faithfulness and persevering diligence in proclaiming the Gospel, building up the Temple, and performing all the duties connected with our holy religion.
Joseph dictated the following postscript to Emma:
Letter: Postscript.
_P. S.--20 minutes to 10.--_I just learn that the Governor is about to disband his troops, all but a guard to protect us and the peace, and {611} come himself to Nauvoo and deliver a speech to the people. This is right as I suppose.
He afterwards wrote a few lines with his own hand, which were not copied.
The letter was sent by Joel S. Mills and Cyrus H. Wheelock.
[Sidenote: Gov. Ford Warned of the Conspiracy Against Prisoner's Lives.]
John P. Greene, (Nauvoo city marshal) told Governor Ford that if he went to Nauvoo, leaving only the Carthage Greys to guard the jail, that there was a conspiracy on foot to take the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith during his absence, to which the Governor replied, "Marshal Greene, you are too enthusiastic."
Footnotes:
1. It is the record of the case, however, that Governor Ford did send an order disbanding the regiment from Warsaw which he had ordered to rendezvous at Golden's Point for the purpose of marching with the rest of the Governor's troops into Nauvoo. "The Governor," remarks the late John Hay, who is the authority for the incident of disbanding the Warsaw troops--"the Governor, fearing he could not control the inflammable material he had gathered together, had determined to scatter it again" (Atlantic Monthly, December, 1869). The courier of the Governor to the Warsaw troops was Mr. David Matthews, a well-known citizen of Warsaw. But after receiving the order for disbandment, while most of the troops returned to their homes, about one hundred and fifty volunteered to follow several of the militia captains--leaders on their own responsibility--to Nauvoo; of whom about seventy-five reached that place and participated in the murder of the Brothers Smith.
{612}
Chapter XXXIII
DEPARTURE OF GOVERNOR FORD FOR NAUVOO--THE AFTERNOON IN CARTHAGE PRISON--THE ASSAULT ON THE PRISON--THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH.
_Thursday, June 27, [continued] 10:30.,--_Governor Ford went to Nauvoo some time this forenoon, escorted by a portion of his troops, most friendly to the prisoners, and leaving the known enemies of the Prophet, ostensibly to guard the jail, having previously disbanded the remainder.
Joseph sent a request to the Governor by Dan Jones for a pass for his private secretary, Dr. Willard Richards.
_11 a.m.--_John S. Fullmer left the jail for Nauvoo, with a verbal charge to assist Wheelock in gathering and forwarding witnesses for the promised trial.
James W. Woods, Esq., Joseph's principal lawyer, left Carthage for Nauvoo.
_11:20 a.m.--_Dan Jones returned with the following pass for Dr. Richards:--
Pass for Willard Richards.
Permit Dr. Richards, the private secretary of Joseph Smith, to be with him, if he desires it, and to pass and repass the guard.
THOMAS FORD,
Commander-in-Chief.
June 27th, 1844.
Jones said he could not get one for himself.
Dan Jones met Almon W. Babbitt in the street, and informed him that Joseph wanted to see him.
{613} _11:30.--_A. W. Babbitt arrived at the jail and read a letter from Oliver Cowdery.
Joseph, Hyrum, and Dr. Richards tried to get Jones past the guard, but they persisted in refusing to admit him.
_12:20 noon.--_Joseph wrote for Lawyer Browning of Quincy to come up on Saturday as his attorney, as follows:--
Letter: Joseph Smith to O. H. Browning--Engaging Browning as Legal Counsel.
CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27th, 1844.
Lawyer Browning:--
SIR.--Myself and brother Hyrum are in jail on charge of treason, to come up for examination on Saturday morning, 29th inst., and we request your professional services at that time, on our defense, without fail.
Most respectfully, your servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S.--There is no cause of action, for we have not been guilty of any crime, neither is there any just cause of suspicion against us; but certain circumstances make your attendance very necessary.
J. S.
[Sidenote: The Guard's False Alarm Over the Nauvoo Legion.]
Almon W. Babbitt took the letter and left the jail. He handed it to Jones, with directions to take it to Quincy forthwith. The guard being aware of the letter, told the mob that, "old Joe" had sent orders to raise the Nauvoo Legion to come and rescue him. The mob gathered around Jones, and demanded the letter; some of them wanted to take it from him by force, and said that Jones should not get out of Carthage alive, as a dozen men had started off with their rifles to waylay him in the woods. Having previously ordered his horse, Jones took advantage of their disagreement, and started off at full speed. He, by mistake, took the Warsaw road, and so avoided the men who were lying in wait for him. When he emerged on the prairie, he saw the Governor and his {614} posse, whereupon he left the Warsaw road for the Nauvoo road.
Dr. Southwick called at the jail. Joseph gave him a note to Governor Ford or General Deming, requesting them to furnish him with a pass.
_1:15 p.m.--_Joseph, Hyrum, and Willard dined in their room. Taylor and Markham dined below.
[Sidenote: Markham Forced out of Carthage.]
_1:30 p.m.--_Dr. Richards was taken sick, when Joseph said, "Brother Markham, as you have a pass from the Governor to go in and out of the jail, go and get the doctor something that he needs to settle his stomach," and Markham went out for medicine. When he had got the remedies desired, and was returning to jail, a man by the name of Stewart called out, "Old man, you have got to leave town in five minutes." Markham replied, "I shall not do it." A company of Carthage Greys gathered round him, put him on his horse, and forced him out of the town at the point of the bayonet.
_3:15 p.m.--_The guard began to be more severe in their operations, threatening among themselves, and telling what they would do when the excitement was over.
Elder Taylor sang the following:--
The Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.
A poor wayfaring man of grief Had often crossed me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer, Nay.
I had not power to ask his name; Whither he went or whence he came; Yet there was something in his eye That won my love, I knew not why.
Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered--not a word he spake! Just perishing for want of bread; I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again; Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste.
{615} I spied him where a fountain burst, Clear from the rock--his strength was gone, The heedless water mocked his thirst, He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff'rer up; Thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, Dipp'd, and returned it running o'er; I drank and never thirsted more.
'Twas night, the floods were out, it blew A winter hurricane aloof; I heard his voice, abroad, and flew To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed, I clothed, I cheered my guest, I laid him on my couch to rest; Then made the earth my bed, and seem'd In Eden's garden while I dream'd.
Stripp'd, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side; I rous'd his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment--he was heal'd; I had myself a wound conceal'd; But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart,
In pris'n I saw him next--condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn; The tide of lying tongues I stemmed. And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.
My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He asked, if I for him would die; The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill, But the free spirit cried, "I will!"
Then in a moment to my view, The stranger started from disguise: The tokens in his hands I knew, The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake--and my poor name he named-- "Of me thou hast not been asham'd; These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not thou didst them unto me."
When he got through, Joseph requested him to sing it again, which he did.
Hyrum read extracts from Josephus.
_4 p.m.--_The guard was again changed, only eight men being stationed at the jail, whilst the main body of {616} the Carthage Greys were in camp about a quarter of a mile distant, on the public square.
_4:15 p.m.--_Joseph commenced conversing with the guard about Joseph H. Jackson, William and Wilson Law, and others of his persecutors.
Hyrum and Dr. Richards conversed together until quarter past five.
_5 p.m.--_Jailor Stigall returned to the jail, and said that Stephen Markham had been surrounded by a mob, who had driven him out of Carthage, and he had gone to Nauvoo.
[Sidenote: Anxiety of the Jailor.]
Stigall suggested that they would be safer in the cell. Joseph said, "After supper we will go in." Mr. Stigall went out, and Joseph said to Dr. Richards, "If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The doctor answered, "Brother Joseph you did not ask me to cross the river with you--you did not ask me to come to Carthage--you did not ask me to come to jail with you--and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free." Joseph said "You cannot." The doctor replied, "I will."
[Sidenote: Wine for the Guard.]
Before the jailor came in, his boy brought in some water, and said the guard wanted some wine. Joseph gave Dr. Richards two dollars to give the guard; but the guard said one was enough, and would take no more.
The guard immediately sent for a bottle of wine, pipes, and two small papers of tobacco; and one of the guards brought them into the jail soon after the jailor went out. Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as also Brother Taylor and the doctor, and the bottle was then given to the guard, who turned to go out. When at the top of the stairs some one below called him two or three times, and he went down.
[Sidenote: The Assault on the Jail.]
{617} Immediately there was a little rustling at the outer door of the jail, and a cry of surrender, and also a discharge of three or four firearms followed instantly. The doctor glanced an eye by the curtain of the window, and saw about a hundred armed men around the door.
It is said that the guard elevated their firelocks, and boisterously threatening the mob discharged their firearms over their heads. The mob encircled the building, and some of them rushed by the guard up the flight of stairs, burst open the door, and began the work of death, while others fired in through the open windows.
[Sidenote: The Prisoner's Defense.]
In the meantime Joseph, Hyrum, and Elder Taylor had their coats off. Joseph sprang to his coat for his six-shooter, Hyrum for his single barrel, Taylor for Markham's large hickory cane, and Dr. Richards for Taylor's cane. All sprang against the door, the balls whistled up the stairway, and in an instant one came through the door.
Joseph Smith, John Taylor and Dr. Richards sprang to the left of the door, and tried to knock aside the guns of the ruffians.
[Sidenote: Death of Hyrum Smith.]
Hyrum was retreating back in front of the door and snapped his pistol, when a ball struck him in the left side of his nose, and he fell on his back on the floor saying, "I am a dead man!" As he fell on the floor another ball from the outside entered his left side, and passed through his body with such force that it completely broke to pieces the watch he wore in his vest pocket, and at the same instant another ball from the door grazed his breast, and entered his head by the throat; subsequently a fourth ball entered his left leg.
A shower of balls was pouring through all parts of the room, many of which lodged in the ceiling just above the head of Hyrum.
[Sidenote: The "Handsome Fight" of Joseph Smith and John Taylor.]
{618} Joseph reached round the door casing, and discharged his six shooter into the passage, some barrels missing fire. Continual discharges of musketry came into the room. Elder Taylor continued parrying the guns until they had got them about half their length into the room, when he found that resistance was vain, and he attempted to jump out of the window, where a ball fired from within struck him on his left thigh, hitting the bone, and passing through to within half an inch of the other side. He fell on the window sill, when a ball fired from the outside struck his watch in his vest pocket, and threw him back into the room.
[Sidenote: Taylor Wounded and Helpless.]
After he fell into the room he was hit by two more balls, one of them injuring his left wrist considerably, and the other entering at the side of the bone just below the left knee. He rolled under the bed, which was at the right of the window in the south-east corner of the room.
While he lay under the bed he was fired at several times from the stairway; one ball struck him on the left hip, which tore the flesh in a shocking manner, and large quantities of blood were scattered upon the wall and floor.
When Hyrum fell, Joseph exclaimed, "Oh dear, brother Hyrum!" and opening the door a few inches he discharged his six shooter in the stairway (as stated before), two or three barrels of which missed fire.
[Sidenote: The Death of the Prophet.]
Joseph, seeing there was no safety in the room, and no doubt thinking that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could get out, turned calmly from the door, dropped his pistol on the floor and sprang into the window when two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without, and he fell outward into the hands of his murderers, exclaiming. "O Lord, my God!"
[Sidenote: Willard Richard's Remarkable Escape.]
{619} Dr. Richards' escape was miraculous; he being a very large man, and in the midst of a shower of balls, yet he stood unscathed, with the exception of a ball which grazed the tip end of the lower part of his left ear. His escape fulfilled literally a prophecy which Joseph made over a year previously, that the time would come that the balls would fly around him like hail, and he should see his friends fall on the right and on the left, but that there should not be a hole in his garment.
The following is copied from the_ Times and Seasons_:--
TWO MINUTES IN JAIL.
Possibly the following events occupied near three minutes, but I think only about two, and have penned them for the gratification of many friends.
CARTHAGE, June 27, 1844.
A shower of musket balls were thrown up the stairway against the door of the prison in the second story, followed by many rapid footsteps.
While Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Mr. Taylor, and myself, who were in the front chamber, closed the door of our room against the entry at the head of the stairs, and placed ourselves against it, there being no lock on the door, and no catch that was usable.
The door is a common panel, and as soon as we heard the feet at the stairs head, a ball was sent through the door, which passed between us, and showed that our enemies were desperadoes, and we must change our position.
General Joseph Smith, Mr. Taylor and myself sprang back to the front part of the room, and General Hyrum Smith retreated two-thirds across the chamber directly in front of and facing the door.
A ball was sent through the door which hit Hyrum on the side of his nose, when he fell backwards, extended at length, without moving his feet.
From the holes in his vest (the day was warm, and no one had his coat on but myself), pantaloons, drawers, and shirt, it appears evident that a ball must have been thrown from without, through the window, {620} which entered his back on the right side, and passing through, lodged against his watch, which was in his right vest pocket, completely pulverizing the crystal and face, tearing off the hands and mashing the whole body of the watch. At the same instant the ball from the door entered his nose.
As he struck the floor he exclaimed emphatically, "I am a dead man." Joseph looked towards him and responded, "Oh, dear brother Hyrum!" and opening the door two or three inches with his left hand, discharged one barrel of a six shooter (pistol) at random in the entry, from whence a ball grazed Hyrum's breast, and entering his throat passed into his head, while other muskets were aimed at him and some balls hit him.
Joseph continued snapping his revolver round the casing of the door into the space as before, three barrels of which missed fire, while Mr. Taylor with a walking stick stood by his side and knocked down the bayonets and muskets which were constantly discharging through the doorway, while I stood by him, ready to lend any assistance, with another stick, but could not come within striking distance without going directly before the muzzle of the guns.
When the revolver failed, we had no more firearms, and expected an immediate rush of the mob, and the doorway full of muskets, half way in the room, and no hope but instant death from within.
Mr. Taylor rushed into the window, which is some fifteen or twenty feet from the ground. When his body was nearly on a balance, a ball from the door within entered his leg, and a ball from without struck his watch, a patent lever, in his vest pocket near the left breast, and smashed it into "pie," leaving the hands standing at 5 o'clock, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, the force of which ball threw him back on the floor, and he rolled under the bed which stood by his side, where he lay motionless, the mob from the door continuing to fire upon him, cutting away a piece of flesh from his left hip as large as a man's hand, and were hindered only by my knocking down their muzzles with a stick; while they continued to reach their guns into the room, probably left handed, and aimed their discharge so far round as almost to reach us in the corner of the room to where we retreated and dodged, and then I recommenced the attack with my stick.
Joseph attempted, as the last resort, to leap the same window from whence Mr. Taylor fell, when two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without, and he fell outward, exclaiming, "Oh Lord, my God!" As his feet went out of the window my head went in, the balls whistling all around. He fell on his left side a dead man.
{621} At this instant the cry was raised. "He's leaped the window!" and the mob on the stairs and in the entry ran out.
I withdrew from the window, thinking it of no use to leap out on a hundred bayonets, then around General Joseph Smith's body.
Not satisfied with this I again reached my head out of the window, and watched some seconds to see if there were any signs of life, regardless of my own, determined to see the end of him I loved. Being fully satisfied that he was dead, with a hundred men near the body and more coming round the corner of the jail, and expecting a return to our room, I rushed towards the prison door, at the head of the stairs, and through the entry from whence the firing had proceeded, to learn if the doors into the prison were open.
When near the entry, Mr. Taylor called out, "Take me." I pressed my way until I found all doors unbarred, returning instantly, caught Mr. Taylor under my arm and rushed by the stairs into the dungeon, or inner prison, stretched him on the floor and covered him with a bed in such a manner as not likely to be perceived, expecting an immediate return of the mob.
I said to Mr. Taylor, "This is a hard case to lay you on the floor, but if your wounds are not fatal, I want you to live to tell the story." I expected to be shot the next moment, and stood before the door awaiting the onset.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
While Willard Richards and John Taylor were in the cell, a company of the mob again rushed up stairs, but finding only the dead body of Hyrum, they were again descending the stairs, when a loud cry was heard, "The Mormons are coming!" which caused the whole band of murderers to flee precipitately to the woods.
The following communication was written and sent to Nauvoo:--
First Message to Nauvoo.
CARTHAGE JAIL, 8:05 o'clock, p.m., June 27th, 1844.
Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. [1] I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a band of Missourians {622} from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise them no!
W. RICHARDS,
JOHN TAYLOR.
N. B.--The citizens promise us protection. Alarm guns have been fired.
The above note was addressed to Governor Ford, Gen. Dunham, Col. Markham, Emma Smith, Nauvoo.
This letter was given to William and John Barnes, two mobocrats, who were afraid to go to Nauvoo, fearing that the Mormons would kill them and lay everything waste about Carthage; they therefore carried it to Arza Adams, who was sick with the ague and fever, about two and a half miles north of Carthage. He was afraid to go on the main road; and after two hours persuasion Mr. Benjamin Leyland consented to pilot Adams by "a blind road," and about midnight they started, and arrived in Nauvoo a little after sunrise. They found the news had arrived before them, for about a dozen men were talking about it at the Mansion, but not knowing what to believe until Adams handed in the above official letter.
Footnotes:
1. This statement was made at Elder Taylor's request, that he might not alarm his family he was, however, severely wounded, as the narrative in the text bears witness. When the note above was being prepared, Elder Taylor said, "Brother Richards, say I am slightly wounded;" and when it was brought to him he signed his name as quickly as he could, lest the tremor of his hand should be noticed and the fears of his family aroused (The Life of John Taylor, pp. 144-5).
{623}
Chapter XXXIV
GOVERNOR FORD IN NAUVOO--NEWS OF THE MARTYRDOM--MESSAGES TO NAUVOO--ARRIVAL OF THE BODIES--SORROWFUL SCENES--THE BURIAL.
[Sidenote: Governor Ford in Nauvoo.]
_Thursday, June 27th (continued).--_In the meantime the Governor was making to the Saints in Nauvoo one of the most infamous and insulting speeches that ever fell from the lips of an executive. Among other things he said, "A great crime has been done by destroying the Expositor press and placing the city under martial law, and a severe atonement must be made, so prepare your minds for the emergency. Another cause of excitement is the fact of your having so many firearms. The public are afraid that you are going to use them against government. I know there is a great prejudice against you on account of your peculiar religion, but you ought to be praying Saints, not military Saints. Depend upon it, a little more misbehavior from the citizens, and the torch, which is already lighted, will be applied, and the city may be reduced to ashes, and extermination would inevitably follow; and it gives me great pain to think that there is danger of so many innocent women and children being exterminated. If anything of a serious character should befall the lives or property of the persons who are prosecuting your leaders, you will be held responsible."
[Sidenote: Military Display.]
The Governor was solicited to stay until morning, but he declined, and left Nauvoo at about 6:30 p.m.; and in passing up Main Street his escort performed the sword exercise, giving all the passes, guards, cuts and thrusts, taking up the entire width of {624} the street, and making as imposing a show as they could, until they passed Lyon's store, near the Masonic Hall. This was apparently done to intimidate the people, as the Governor had remarked in his speech that they need not expect to set themselves up against such "well disciplined troops."
Soon after Captain Singleton and his company left for home.
[Sidenote: Gov. Ford's Interception of Grant ant Bettisworth.]
When the Governor and his party had proceeded about three miles from Nauvoo, they met two messengers (George D. Grant and David Bettisworth) hastening with the sad news to Nauvoo. The Governor took them back to Grant's house, one and one-half miles east of Carthage, with him in order to prevent their carrying the news until he and the authorities had removed the county records and public documents, and until most of the inhabitants had left Carthage. The Governor then proceeded towards Carthage, when Grant took another horse and rode into Nauvoo with the news that night.
Second Message to Nauvoo.
12 o'clock at night, 27th June,
CARTHAGE, HAMILTON'S TAVERN.
To Mrs. Emma Smith and Major General Dunham, &c.:
The Governor has just arrived; says all things shall be inquired into, and all right measures taken.
I say to all the citizens of Nauvoo, my brethren, be still, and know that God reigns. Don't rush out of the city--don't rush to Carthage--stay at home, and be prepared for an attack from Missouri mobbers. The Governor will render every assistance possible--has sent out orders for troops. Joseph and Hyrum are dead. We will prepare to move the bodies as soon as possible.
The people of the county are greatly excited, and fear the Mormons will come out and take vengeance. I have pledged my word the Mormons will stay at home as soon as they can be informed, and no violence will be on their part, and say to my brethren in Nauvoo, in the {625} name of the Lord, be still, be patient, only let such friends as choose come here to see the bodies. Mr. Taylor's wounds are dressed and not serious. I am sound.
WILLARD RICHARDS,
JOHN TAYLOR,
SAMUEL H. SMITH.
Defend yourselves until protection can be furnished necessary. June 27th, 1844.
THOMAS FORD,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
Mr. Orson Spencer:
DEAR SIR:--Please deliberate on this matter--prudence may obviate material destruction. I was at my residence when this horrible crime was committed. It will be condemned by three-fourths of the citizens of the county. Be quiet, or you will be attacked from Missouri.
M. R. DEMING.
It was near midnight before Dr. Richards could obtain any help or refreshment for John Taylor, who was badly wounded, nearly all the inhabitants of Carthage having fled in terror.
[Sidenote: Departure of the Governor from the Danger Zone.]
Friday, 28.--1 a.m. The Governor said the matter should be investigated, and that there was a great responsibility resting upon him. He also said he would send a messenger with an express for Dr. Richards, and wrote an order for the citizens of Nauvoo to defend themselves.
He then went to the public square, and advised all who were present to disperse, as he expected the Mormons would be so exasperated that they would come and burn the town, whereupon the citizens of Carthage fled in all directions, and the Governor and his posse fled towards Quincy, and did not consider themselves safe until they had reached Augusta, eighteen miles distant from Carthage.
Captain Singleton, of Brown county arrived in Carthage from Nauvoo with his troops.
[Sidenote: The Start for Nauvoo with the Bodies of the Martyrs.]
{626} About 8 a.m. Dr. Richards started for Nauvoo with the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum on two wagons, accompanied by their brother Samuel M. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, and a guard of eight soldiers who had been detached for that purpose by General Deming. The bodies were covered with bushes to keep them from the hot sun. They were met by a great assemblage of citizens of Nauvoo, on Mulholland Street, about a mile east of the Temple, about three p.m. under direction of the city marshal.
The City Council, the Lieut.-General's staff, Major. General Jonathan Dunham and staff, the acting Brigadier-General Hosea Stout and staff, commanders and officers of the Legion, and several thousands of the citizens were there amid the most solemn lamentations and wailings that ever ascended into the ears of the Lord of Hosts to be avenged of their enemies.
When the procession arrived, the bodies were both taken into the Nauvoo Mansion. The scene there cannot be described.
[Sidenote: The Address of Dr. Richards et. al.]
About eight or ten thousand persons were addressed by Dr. Willard Richards, William W. Phelps, Esquires Woods and Reid of Iowa, and Col. Stephen Markham. Dr. Richards admonished the people to keep the peace, stating that he had pledged his honor, and his life for their good conduct, when the people with one united voice resolved to trust to the law for a remedy of such a high-handed assassination, and when that failed, to call upon God to avenge them of their wrongs.
O, Americans, weep, for the glory of freedom has departed!
When the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum arrived at the Mansion, the doors were closed immediately. The people were told to go quietly home, and the bodies would be viewed the next morning at eight o'clock.
{627}
[Sidenote: Preparation of the Bodies for Burial.]
Dimick B. Huntington, with the assistance of William Marks and William D. Huntington, washed the bodies from head to foot. Joseph was shot in the right breast, also under the heart, in the lower part of his bowels and the right side, and on the back part of the right hip. One ball had come out at the right shoulder-blade. Cotton soaked in camphor was put into each wound, and the bodies laid out with fine plain drawers and shirt, white neckerchiefs, white cotton stockings and white shrouds. (Gilbert Goldsmith was doorkeeper at the time).
After this was done, Emma (who at the time was pregnant) also Mary (Hyrum's wife) with the children of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch, were admitted to see the bodies. On first seeing the corpse of her husband, Emma screamed and fell back, but was caught and supported by Dimick B. Huntington. She then fell forward to the Prophet's face and kissed him, calling him by name, and begged him to speak to her once. Mary, (the Patriarch's wife) manifested calmness and composure throughout the trying scene, which was affecting in the extreme. Relatives and particular friends were also permitted to view the remains during the evening.
_Saturday 29.--_At 7 a.m. the bodies were put into the coffins which were covered with black velvet fastened with brass nails. Over the face of each corpse a lid was hung with brass hinges, under which was a square of glass to protect the face, and the coffin was lined with white cambric. The coffins were then each put into a rough pine box.
[Sidenote: Lying in State.]
At 8 a.m. the room was thrown open for the Saints to view the bodies of their martyred Prophet and Patriarch, and it is estimated that over ten thousand persons visited the remains that day, as there was a perfect living stream of people entering in at the west door of the Mansion and out at the north door from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at which hour a request was made {628} that the Mansion should be cleared, so that the family could take their farewell look at the remains.
The coffins were then taken out of the boxes into the little bedroom in the northeast corner of the Mansion, and there concealed and the doors locked. Bags of sand were then placed in each end of the boxes, which were nailed up, and a mock funeral took place, the boxes being put into a hearse and driven to the graveyard by William D. Huntington, and there deposited in a grave with the usual ceremonies.
This was done to prevent enemies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch getting possession of the bodies, as they threatened they would do. As the hearse passed the meeting ground accompanied by a few men, William W. Phelps was preaching the funeral sermon.
[Sidenote: The Real Burial.]
About midnight the coffins containing the bodies were taken from the Mansion by Dimick B. Huntington, Edward Hunter, William D. Huntington, William Marks, Jonathan H. Holmes, Gilbert Goldsmith, Alpheus Cutler, Lorenzo D. Wasson, and Philip B. Lewis, preceded by James Emmett as guard with his musket.
They went through the garden, round by the pump, and were conveyed to the Nauvoo house, which was then built to the first joists of the basement, and buried in the basement story.
After the bodies were interred, and the ground smoothed off as it was before, and chips of wood and stone and other rubbish thrown over, so as to make it appear like the rest of the ground around the graves, a most terrific shower of rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning, occurred, and obliterated all traces of the fact that the earth had been newly dug.
The bodies remained in the cellar of the Nauvoo House where they were buried, until the fall, when they were removed by Dimick B. Huntington, William D. Huntington, Jonathan H. Holmes, and Gilbert Goldsmith, at Emma's request, to near the Mansion, and buried side by {629} side, and the bee house then moved and placed over their graves.
The deceased children of Joseph were afterwards removed and interred in the same place. It was found at this time that two of Hyrum's teeth had fallen into the inside of his mouth, supposed to have been done by a ball at the time of the martyrdom, but which was not discovered at the time he was laid out, in consequence of his jaws being tied up. * * * * * * *
[It is thought proper that this volume, which brings the HISTORY OF THE CHURCH to close of its first Period--the administration of its First President, and, by way of pre-eminence the Prophet of the New Dispensation of the Gospel, should close with the official statement of the Martyrdom of the Prophet and the Patriarch. A statement so true, and conservative, and excellent that now for a long time it has been published in the "Doctrine and Covenants."]
MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE PROPHET, AND HIS BROTHER HYRUM.
(From the Doctrine and Covenants).
To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about 5 o'clock p.m., by an armed mob, painted black--of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming, "I am a dead man!" Joseph leaped from the window and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming, "O Lord, my God!" They were both shot after they were dead in a brutal manner, and both received four balls.
John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with four balls, but has since recovered; the latter through the providence of God, escaped, "without even a hole in his robe."
Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more (save Jesus only) for the salvation of men in this world, than any {630} other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting Gospel which it contained to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city; and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people, and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood--and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said:
"I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense toward God and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of me--he was murdered in cold blood."
The same morning after Hyrum had made ready to go--shall it be said to the slaughter? Yes, for so it was,--he read the following paragraph near the close of the fifth chapter of Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the leaf upon it:
"And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that He would give unto the Gentiles grace that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, if they have not charity, it mattereth not unto you, thou hast been faithful: wherefore thy garments are clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shall be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood."
The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force.
Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old, February, 1844, and Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843: and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon and this Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world; and that if the fire can scathe a green tree for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the "dry trees" to purify the vineyard of corruption. {631} They lived for glory, they died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward. From age to age shall their names go down to posterity as gems for the sanctified.
They were innocent of any crime, as they had often been proved before, and were only confined in the jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men; and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail, is a broad seal affixed to "Mormonism" that cannot be rejected by any court on earth; and their_ innocent blood_ on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois with the broken faith of the State, as pledged by the Governor, is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel, that all the world cannot impeach; and their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the magna charta of the United States is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ that will touch the heart of honest men among all nations; and their_ innocent blood_ with the innocent blood of all the martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto the Lord of Hosts, till He avenges that blood on the earth. Amen.
(END OF PERIOD I.)
{633}
INDEX TO VOLUME VI.
A
Affidavits of Delmore Chapman, 100; of Richards and Lewis, 103; Sission Chase, Avery Case, 109; of Willard Richards, Nauvoo in danger, 119; of Amos Chase, Elliott affair, 121; of Philander Avery, 122; of the Hamiltons, 123; of Orson Hyde, 145; of Daniel Avery, 145-148; of Abiathar B. Williams, on conspiracy, 278; of M. G. Eaton on conspiracy, 279-280; of Aaron Johnson, 350; Margaret J. Nyman et al. against Chauncey L. Higbee, 407; H. T. Hugins, Nauvoo threatened, 423; Thomas G. Wilson, on mob movements, 480-481; of Stephen Markham, Nauvoo to be attacked, 492; of Truman Gillett, 500; of Canfield & Belknap, 502; Call et al., 505-506; Carlos W. Lyman, 507; Mount and Cunningham, 508; of Allen T. Wait, 509; Morley et al., 510; Solomon Hancock et al., 511; James Guyman, 511-512; Obediah Bowen, 512-513; of Alvah Tippetts, 514; Greene & Bernhisel, 516; John P. Greene, Jackson's threats, 522; of Joseph Smith, on conspiracy, 523; of Joseph Jackson, threats against the Prophet, 524; of Edward Robinson, threats against Nauvoo, 528; James Olive, mob movements, 529; George G. Johnstone, move on Nauvoo, 530; Gideon Gibbs, on mob, 530; Luman Calkins, on conspiracy, 531-532; of Alfred Randall, threats against the Prophet's life, 586; of Jonathan C. Wright, on conspiracy against Prophet, 587; of O. P. Rockwell on Ford in Nauvoo, 588; of William G. Sterrett, on Ford in Nauvoo, 589-590.
Apostles in conference, 11; return of to Nauvoo, 60; epistles of to Elders and Churches abroad, 63-64; action of on publications, 66; minutes of council meeting of, 223; instructed to send delegation to California, 222-224; minutes of meeting of, 230; Appoint conferences in U.S., 334-335; called home, 519.
Apostates in Nauvoo, excommunication of, 341; Plans for organization of new Church, 346-347; collection of at Carthage, 560; reported intention to plunder, 564.
Arms, public, for Legion, 31.
Avery, Daniel, held as prisoner in Missouri, 108; escape of from Missouri, 143; affidavit of treatment in Missouri, 145.
Avery, Philander, affidavit of, 122.
Address of the Mayor to Nauvoo police, 150-152.
Andrews, Benjamin, appeal of to the state of Maine, 178.
B
Bagby, Walter, injustice of to the Prophet, 4.
Babbitt, Almon W., preaches at Nauvoo, 34; refuses to obey orders, 514-515; engaged as council against the Prophet, 600; visits {634} Prophet in prison, 612-613.
Backenstos, W., marriage of to Miss Wasson, 43.
Badham, Richard, assaulted, 110.
Bennett, James Arlington, nominated for Vice-President U.S., 231-233-244.
Bettisworth, Constable David, arrests Prophet for treason, 561-562.
Botswick, Orsimus F., slanders of, 225.
C
Cahoon, Reynolds, urges Prophet to return to Nauvoo, 549, 552.
Carthage, Anti-Mormon meeting at, 4; and note, 43; disgraceful affair at, 171-173; complaints of citizens against Nauvoo ordinances, 173-174; Anti-Mormon convention at, 221; citizens of, call for "wolf-hunt," 222.
Cartwright, Thomas and wife, baptism of, 160-162.
Chism, negro, case of, 281, 284.
Chase, Amos, affidavit of, 121.
Clay, Henry, letter of to the Prophet, 376; Joseph Smith's answer to, 376-377.
Clayton, William, attends court at Dixon, 350; report of procedure of court, 380-384.
Cole, Mr., school teacher, 65-66.
Convention, Anti-Mormon, Carthage, 221; presidential at Nauvoo, 386-397.
Communications, (see letters).
Conference, minutes of, at Manchester, England, 2; and (note); in Alexander, New York, 98; Brownstown, Michigan, 175; general at Liverpool, England, 326-330; of the Twelve, Ralston Hall, Boston, 11-30; special at Nauvoo, 47-52; in New York, 286; general of the Church, April, 1844, 287-300; Kalamazoo, Michigan, 425; Glasgow, Scotland, 426; at Cypry, Alabama, 331; list of appointed in U.S., 334-335; presidents of appointed in U.S., 335-340; at Pleasant Vallet, Michigan, 431.
Copeland Colonel Solomon, of Tennessee, invited to be candidate for vice-president, 248.
Co-operation, plans of for store, 263.
Court, Municipal, petitioned for trial by Joseph Smith, 357-361, et seq.; case of Jeremiah Smith before, 379, 418-420; minutes of in case of Jeremiah Smith, 420-423; petition of Prophet before, Expositor case, 454-456; hearing before, on Expositor case, 456-458; members of city council before, 460-461.
Council special at Nauvoo, 39.
D
Dayton, Hyrum and Son, before mayor's court, 155.
Data, compilation of by historians, (note) 547.
Dunn, Captain, sent to demand state arms from Legion, 554-555.
Discourses, on sealing powers, 183-184; Elias, Elijah, Messiah, 249, 354; on Conspiracies in Nauvoo, 272-274; on Prophetic Calling and Fullness of Ordinances for Living and Dead, 363-367; Dissenters at Nauvoo, 408-412; the Godhead, Plurality of Gods, 473-479.
Drama in Nauvoo, 349-350.
Dunham, Jonathan, on mission to Governor Ford, 61; made wharf-master, 229.
E
Elliott, John, arrest and trial of, 117-118.
Election, Presidential, 1844, who shall be candidate for, 187-188; Times and Seasons editorial on, 214-217.
{635} Excommunications of apostates, 341.
Expositor, Nauvoo, first and only number of, 430; declared a nuisance and destroyed, 448; proceedings in city council against, 434-448; Francis M. Higbee on destruction of, 451-452; comment of Neighbor on, 460.
F
Fanny, barque, arrives in New Orleans, 244.
Female Relief Society, Voice of Innocence from, 248.
Folsom, William H., clerk of New York conference, biography (note) 1.
Follett, King, death of, 248; biography, 249.
Ford, Governor Thomas, arrival of at Carthage, and accepts mob as militia, 542; interview of with Taylor an Bernhisel, 543-545; perplexity of, 552; pacifies mob, 560; pledges faith of the state for fair trial of the Smiths, 561; presents Joseph Smith to militia, 564; refuses to prevent false imprisonment, 570-571; directs Justice R. F. Smith to use Carthage Greys, 598; holds militia council on visit to Nauvoo, 599-600; visit of to Nauvoo, 623; intercepts messengers with news of martyrdom, 624; course of at Carthage, 625; flees from danger zone, 625.
Foster, Dr. R. D., misunderstanding of with Prophet, 332-333, 344-345; seeks private interview with Prophet, 430.
Fielding, Amos, credentials of, 263.
Frierson, Colonel, represents John C. Calhoun, 81 (and note); drafts memorial to Congress in behalf of Saints, 83, et seq. (and note.)
Fullmer, John S., with Prophet in Carthage prison, 600-601.
G
Geddes, Col. Thomas, with Governor at interview, Carthage prison, 576; report of Governor Ford's statement on leaving prison, 585 (and note).
Greene, John P., returns from New York mission, 60; report of Foster Higbee embroilment, 348-349.
Grant, Jedediah M., preaches at mansion, 356.
Greys, Carthage, boisterous conduct of, 559-560; revolt of, 564; left as guard to Prophet and Patriarch, 606-607.
H
Hanks, Knowlton F., missionary, death of, 64.
Harris, Dennison, L. reveals conspiracy against Prophet, 280-281 (note).
Hedlock, Reuben, president of the British mission, 65-66; presides at conference in England, 327-330.
Higbee, Francis M., charges Prophet with slander, 174; threatens Prophet with bonds, 176; before Municipal Court, 178; before Esquire Wells for assaulting police, 285; before Municipal Court, 357-361.
Higbee, Chauncey L., before Esq. Wells for assaulting police, 285; affidavits against, 407.
Hodge, Abraham C., reports Prophet's determination to go West, 545; sent on special mission to Carthage, 557.
Hunter, Edward, sent as special messenger to Governor Ford, 492.
I
Indians, Sacs and Foxes, visit of to Nauvoo, 401-402.
{636} J
Jackson, Joseph, H., conversation of with Prophet; character of, 149 (and note); attempt to arrest, 521; threats against Prophets, 569.
Johnson, Benjamin F., instructions of the Prophet to, 60.
Judd, Nelson, assault upon, 179-180.
Journals, importance to elders of keeping, 186.
Jones, Elder Dan, Prophecy upon head of, 601; with the Prophet in prison, 601, 621; sent by the Prophet with messenger to Gov. Ford, 602, 604.
K
Kay, William, in charge of immigrants from England, 244; arrives with company at Nauvoo, 333.
Kimball, Heber C., address of at April conference, 324.
L
Legion, Nauvoo, muster of, 34; aid of applied for, 119.
Law, Wilson, doggerel written by, 210; cashiered from Legion, 362; seeks to get warrant against the Prophet, 568.
Law, William, difficulty of with police, 162-165; reconciliation of with the Prophet, 165; second trouble with police, 166-170; excommunication of, 341.
Letters: Governor Ford to the Prophet, 35; Reuben Hedlock to the First Presidency, 44; H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, 55; Heywood to Joseph Smith, 62; Joseph Smith to the Saints in England, 69-70; James A. Bennett to Joseph Smith, 71-73; Joseph Smith to Bennett, 73-78; Brigham Young to John Page, 81-83; Ewing, state auditor, to Major John Bills, 95; Lamborn, attorney-general Ill., Legion affairs, 95; McDougall, to state auditor on Legion affairs, 96; Joseph Smith to Governor Ford, 100; Wilson Law to Joseph Smith, 108; Joseph Smith, to Governor Ford, 109; Joseph Smith to John Smith, 110; Governor Ford to Joseph Smith, 113; W. W. Phelps to John White, 132; Joseph Smith to Governor Ford, affidavits, 153; Calhoun to Joseph Smith, 155; J. Smith to Calhoun, 156-160; Twelve Apostles to Saints at Morley, 176-177; Ford to citizens of Hancock county--warning, 189; Joseph Smith to Haywood--visit to Quincy, 213; Joseph Smith to editor of Neighbor, 221; High Council to Saints in Nauvoo, 228-229; Willard Richards to James A. Bennett, 231-233; Lyman Wight et al., to First Presidency, 255-257; ditto to President Smith, 257-260; Young and Richards to Hedlock, England, 351; P. P. Pratt to Joseph Smith et al., 354; Charles C. Rich to Alanson Ripley, 355; Hyde's report to President Smith--Western Movement, 369-376; Henry Clay to Joseph Smith, 376; Prophet's answer to same, 376-377; William Clayton, reporting court procedure at Dixon, 380-384; George A. Smith to Times and Seasons, 399-401; Richards et al. to Central Election Committee, 404; Willard Richards to Orson Hyde--Western Movement, 405-407; D.S. Hollister to Joseph Smith, election matters, 416-418; Joseph Smith to Judge Pope, 422; Joel H. Walker to Joseph Smith--Western Movement, 424-425; Joseph Smith's answer, 425; "Horace" to Joseph Smith, {637} 426; Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Tewkesbury, 427; Joseph Smith to I. Daniel Rupp, 428; Hickok to Joseph Smith, 450; Hugins to Joseph Smith, 451; Washington Tucker to Joseph Smith, 458-459; Prophet's answer to Tucker, 459; Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--defense to Expositor case, 466; Bernhisel to Governor Ford, 467-468; Wakefield to Governor Ford, 469; Sidney Rigdon to Gov. Ford, 469; Ladd to Joseph Smith, 472; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford--urges Governor to come to Nauvoo, 480; Morley to Joseph Smith--mob threats, 481-482; John Smith to the Prophet, 485; the Prophet's answer, 485-486; Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young--calling home to Twelve, 486-487; Hugins to Joseph Smith, 494; Joseph Smith to H. F. Hugins, 501; Joseph Smith to Ballantyne and Slater, 515; Richards to James A. Bennett, 516-518; Foster to John Procter, 520; Governor Ford to Mayor of Nauvoo, 521; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford--urging latter to come to Nauvoo, 525-527; Gov. Ford to Mayor and City Council of Nauvoo--on Expositor affair, 533-537; Joseph Smith in answer to above, 538-541; Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Gov. Ford, 550; Joseph Smith to Hugins, 551; Joseph Smith to J. R. Wakefield, 551; Johnston to Joseph Smith, 553; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford, 556; Reid and Woods to Joseph Smith, 558-559; the Prophet to Emma Smith, 565; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford, 575; Joseph Smith to Judge Thomas, 590; Miner R. Deming to Joseph Smith, 593; Joseph Smith to Messrs. Woods and Reid, 595; William Clayton to Joseph Smith, 598-599; Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 605; P. S., 605; Richards, et al. to Saints at Nauvoo--second message announcing martyrdom, 624-625.
Lytle, Andrew and John, trial of, before Municipal Court, 286.
Lyne, Thomas A., a tragedian, 349.
Loveland, Chester, threats of violence against, 504-505.
M
Maid of Iowa, arrives at Nauvoo with England passengers, 333.
Markham, Col. Stephen, attends court at Dixon, 350; with the Prophet in Carthage prison, 592, 614; forced out of Carthage, 614.
Marks, William, police difficulties of, 166-170.
Marriage, plural, 46.
Metoka, sailing of, with Saints, 4.
Mansion, Nauvoo, made a hotel, 33; party and dinner at, 42.
Mormon, Book of, evidence of in ruins in America, 53-54; presented to Queen Victoria--poem on, 181-183.
Miller, Bishop George, returns from mission, 61.
Mormonism, publications pro-et-con. for 1843, 154.
Mormons, improvements of, 195-196.
Misrepresentations, corrected, 67.
Missouri, peace proposals to, 218-220; "Friendly Hint" to, 245-247.
Mittimus, false, 569; second remanding Smith Brothers to prison, 597.
Memorial to U.S. Congress, 84, et seq; action of meeting on, 88; officially signed by Mayor and city council, 116; of the city council to Congress, 125-132; origin of Joseph Smith's Western Memorial, 270; memorial to Congress, Joseph Smith's, 275; before House of Representative, 282 (note); Joseph Smith's to {638} President John Tyler, 281-282.
Meetings, public, at Nauvoo, 101; at Nauvoo--appeal to government on local affairs, 107; at Nauvoo--aggressions of Missouri, 111-113; mass, at Warsaw, 462-466; public at Nauvoo--to correct false reports, 483.
N
Nauvoo, prosperity of, 9; special session of city council of, 234-236; status of, 1844, 265-267, destructive wind at, 267; status of at close of 1843, 377-378; declaration of martial law in, 497.
New Orleans, branch organized in, 176; Neighbor, Nauvoo, on destruction of Expositor, 460, 496.
O
Orders to city marshal, 103; reply, 104; Mayor's to Legion, 104; to Nauvoo Legion, 119; to Wilson Law calling out Legion, 120; to Major-General to Legion, 493; to A. P. Rockwood to notify guard, 494; general to Legion, 532; Joseph Smith to General Dunham--surrender of state arms, 556; to bring prisoners into court, 596.
Ordinances, special in Prophet's case, 105; for erection of a dam in Mississippi, 106; enlarging police force, 110; on sale of liquors, 111; to prevent unlawful arrests by "foreign" process, 124; for the protection of the Church of Latter-day Saints, 130-132; complaint of Carthage citizens against, 173-174; on sale of liquors, 178-179; on witnesses and jurors' fees, 179; for protection of U.S. citizens, asking Congress to pass, 275-277; concerning libels and other purposes, 433-434.
Ospray, election on board of for President of U.S., 384-385; captain of calls on Joseph Smith, 451.
Owen, case of in Mayor's court, 4.
P
Packard, Noah, Memorial of to Massachusetts, 236.
Pacific Island, mission to, 71.
Page, John E., appointed to a mission to Washington, 81.
Petition to hear the Prophet, 533.
Phelps, W. W., mission of to Gov. Ford, 61; reads Prophet's Views at Nauvoo, 211.
Phenomena, strange, reported, 121.
Police, names of special, 149-150; difficulty of with William Law, 162-165.
President, U.S., who shall be our next?, 39.
Pratt, Addison, on death of Elder Hanks, 64.
Proclamation to kings, instructions to write, 80; Joseph Smith to keep order in Nauvoo, 449; of Joseph Smith against false charges, 484-485; of Joseph Smith to Nauvoo marshal, 493.
Pratt, Parley, attends conference, Boston, 11; enthusiastic on appeal to "Green Mountain Boys," 93-94.
Pratt, Orson, affidavit of against Higbee, 177-178; credentials of, 262.
Pugmire, Jonathan, Sen., et al., released from English prison, 160.
R
Rapids, Des Moines, canal around, 80 (and note).
Rigdon, Sidney, dissatisfaction of Prophet with, 46; appeals to Pennsylvania, addresses conference, 288-295, et seq., nominated for vice-presidency, U.S., 356.
{639} Reid, John S., Prophet's lawyer in early experience, 377; address at Nauvoo, early experience, 392-397.
Richardson, Mr., repents of part in Avery case, 133.
Richards, Dr. Levi, marriage of, 134.
Richards, Phinehas, appeals to Massachusetts, 193.
Rollasson, Mr., store robbed, 281.
Rockwell, Orrin Porter, accompanies Prophet in his start for the West, 548-550-551; warned of Prophet to stay at Nauvoo, 565.
Richards, Willard, with Prophet in Carthage, 613-614; his "Two Minutes" in jail, 619-621; announces the martyrdom of Patriarch and Prophet, 621-622; conveys bodies of martyrs to Nauvoo, 626; addresses people at Nauvoo, 626.
S
Scott, Robert, reveals conspiracy against Prophet, 280-281 (and note).
Smith, Joseph, the Prophet, in council with Hyrum et al., 2; description of, New York Sun, 3; seeks public arms for Legion, 31; prayers for sick, 31; New Haven Herald on, 32-33; on Socialism, 32-33; inspects Legion, 34; appoints mission to Russia, 41; on plural marriage, 46; remarks on the demise of James Adams, 50-52; opinion of on mesmerism, 56; on Constitution and Bible, 56-59; visits Macedonia, 59; writes to candidates for presidency, 63, 65; poisoned, 65; dictates appeal to "Green Mountain Boys," 80; address to, 88, et seq., proposes canal around Des Moines Rapids, 80; prophesies against oppressors, 95; views on standing of Legion, 97; suggests petition to make Nauvoo U.S. Territory, 107; prediction on Government of U.S., 116 (and note;) gives instructions for order in Nauvoo, 124; receives Christmas serenade, 134; holds Christmas party at Mansion, 134; receives letters from Cass and Calhoun, candidates for President, 144; address of to Nauvoo police, 150-152; comments of on Marks' and Laws' police fears, 166, 170; discourse of on Priesthood, 183-185; nominated as candidate for president, 187-188; views of on candidacy, 210; views on the Powers and Policy of U.S. Government, 189, 197-209; dream of troubled waters, 194; recommends repeal of "extra" city ordinance, 212; instruction of to Orson Pratt, 212; instructs Twelve to send delegation to California, 222; sends views on Government to national officials, 225-226; editorial, Neighbor, on candidacy of, 226; sketches reply to Casius M. Clay, 227; Friendly Hint of to Missouri, 245-247; comments on candidacy, 268-270, 361, 367-368; interview of with Mrs. Foster, 271; discourse of on Conspiracies, 272-274; sends memorial to U.S. Congress, 275-277; preaches King Follett's funeral sermon, 301; announces the whole of America as Zion, 318-320; altercation with Dr. Foster et al., 344; petition of for habeas corpus before Municipal Court in Expositor case, 357; discourse by on prophetic calling, fullness of ordinance for living and dead, 363-367; indictment of at Carthage, 405; goes to Carthage to face charges, 412-415; caution "Kirtland Safety Society" script, 429; interview of with Foster, 430; address of, current events, 449-450; arrest of by David Bittisworth, 453-454, {640} dream of on Nauvoo apostates, 461-462; sermon on Godhead--plurality of Gods, 473-479; interview of with gentlemen from Madison, 479; address of to Nauvoo Legion, 497-500; takes command of Legion, 500; appeal of to President Tyler, 508; comment on preparations for defense, 520; desire of to have Hyrum leave him, 520; determines to go to the West, 545-546 (and note); also 547-548-549-550; is urged to return to Nauvoo, 549-550; decides to return, 550-551; starts for Carthage, "a lamb to the slaughter," 554-556; return of to Nauvoo, 557; final departure of for Carthage, 558; arrival at Carthage, 559-560; surrender of to constable, 561; arrested for treason, 561-562; introduced to troops by Gov. Ford, 563-564; prophecy of to gentlemen at Carthage, 566; before Justice R. F. Smith, 567-568; committed to Prison on false mittimus, 569-570; interview of with Gov. Ford--Carthage jail, 576-585; anxiety of for safety, 592; comments on reproofs to the wicked, 608; dream of struggle with enemy, 609-610; testifies of Book of Mormon to guards, 510; "handsome fights," of, 617-618; death of, 618-621; arrival of body at Nauvoo, 626; burial of, 628-629; official account of martyrdom of, 629-31.
Smith, Hyrum, appointed one of Temple committee, 53; begins work, 61; injures knee joint, 98; slander of, by Botswick, O. F., 225; address of at April conference, 296-301, 322; remonstrance of with Prophet, 403; denial of threats against Warsaw Signal and editor, 495, 500; refuses to leave Prophet, 546; seeks to comfort Prophet in prison, 600-601, death of, 617; arrival of body at Nauvoo, 626; burial of, 628-629; official account of martyrdom of, 629-631.
Smith, Emma, kindness of to husband, 165; message of to Prophet, urging husband to return to Nauvoo, 549-552.
Smith, Uncle John, ordained Patriarch, 173; heroism of, 515; comes to Carthage prison to see the Prophet, 598.
Smith, William, arrival of at Nauvoo with company of Saints, 342; withdraws as candidate for legislature, 378.
Smith, Jeremiah, issues out writ of habeas corpus at Nauvoo, 343; Threats to kidnap, 412; before Municipal Court, 418-425.
Snow, Eliza R., Poem to Queen Victoria 181-183; Apostrophe of to Missouri, 192-193.
Southwick, Dr., report of on mob movement, 507; reports officers' meetings to the Prophet, 605-606.
Spencer, Augustine, assaults his brother, 344.
Stoddard, reproved by Prophet, 229.
Styles, George P., appointed city attorney, 331-332.
Stigall, George W., jailor at Carthage, receives Prophet et al., 574; reports intention to attack Nauvoo, 575.
T
Taylor, Elder John, on Socialism, 33; purchases printing office, 185; appointed delegate to Governor at Carthage; 522; account of interview with Governor Ford, 543-545; remonstrance of to Governor Ford, 571-573; report of Governor Ford's and president Smith's interview, 579-585, sings for President Smith, "A Poor, Wayfaring Man," 614-615; wounded in Carthage prison, 618.
Temple, plan for women's subscriptions to, 142; meeting in interest of, 236-244.
{641} Temple, Masonic, dedicated, 287.
Thieves, Neighbor's editorial on, 38.
Thomas, Judge Jesse B., holds court at Carthage, 398; courtesy of to Prophet, 413; advice of to Prophet, Expositor affair, 479.
V
Van Buren, President U.S., letter and postscript to, 65.
W
Western Movement proposed, exploration for, 222, 224.
Wells, Daniel H. justice of the peace, issues writ of ejectment from Temple block, 356-357; trial of Mayor and City Council before, Expositor affair, 487-491; call of Prophet upon en route for Carthage, 554.
Wheelock, warning of to Governor Ford, 607; leaves pistol with the prisoners in Carthage prison, 607-608.
Weeks, William, architect of Nauvoo Temple, difference of with Prophet, 196-197.
Winchester, Benjamin, sent to preach at Warsaw, 190.
Wilkie, John, blessed by Prophet, 264.
Wolfe, Mr. De, lectures at Nauvoo, 223.
Wight, Lyman, asks Prophet's advice on preaching to Indians, 222; letters of to First Presidency, 255; to President Smith, 257; views of, considered in council 260-261.
Woodruff, Wilford, in railway wreck, 32.
Y
Young, Brigham, in conference, Boston, 11-30, et seq.; address at April conference, 321; on whole America as Zion, 321; instructions of to elders, 325.
Z
Zion, the whole of America is, 318-321.