Chapter XLIV. Affairs at Nauvoo

A Political Convention. The Viper Crushed. Arrested Again. At Bay. Nauvoo under Martial Law. Speech to the Legion. Alone in Gethsemane.

Notwithstanding the contemplated removal of the saints to the Pacific Coast, the Prophet threw a glory around the last days of Nauvoo worthy his character and genius. The "Beautiful City" was pushed forward with as much ambition and painstaking as though the saints expected to remain. The temple was hurried forward to completion, that the elders might be endowed with more power from on high, while the missionary energy of the Elders began to be felt throughout America and Great Britain. And Congress, as we have seen, was besieged with apostolic petitions, urging the very nation on to her proper path of empire, with Joseph boldly offered as the Prophet leader of America.

The fact was, the genius of Joseph was at that moment in its meridian strength. He was in his thirty-ninth year. The wonders of his life had been accomplished almost in his boyhood, or at least before manhood is expected to manifest gigantic character and all-conquering purposes. In this respect he very much resembled Alexander and

Napoleon. He died before the age at which Mohammed began his career, or at which Moses dreamt of delivering Israel. Next to his genius of inspiration, his force of character rises above that of any prophet-leader that has appeared in the world, and one is left to wonder if he had not shaken all human society had his Providence permitted him to live to the present time.

But to return to current events: "Friday, April 5th, " says Joseph, " I attended the dedication of the Masonic Temple, which was attended by about 550 members of the Masonic fraternity from various parts of the world. * * The building is admitted to be the most substantial and best finished Masonic Temple in the Western States."

The next day was Conference, probably the largest held up to that date. In addressing the congregation, Joseph said:

"The Great Jehovah has ever been with me, and the wisdom of God will direct me in the seventh hour. I feel in closer communion and better standing with God than ever I felt before in my life."

As a unique of history it is proper to mention that on the 1 7th of May following a national convention met in Nauvoo, in the interest of the Prophet, as a candidate for the Presidency, and much enthusiasm was wrought up by the delegates, — who, by the way, were by no means exclusively from the city of Nauvoo, twenty-seven States being represented.

> But about this time also arose the most dangerous conspiracy of apostates that had threatened the

life of the Prophet. The seceders were not numerous, but they were headed by the brothers William and Wilson Law, — the latter having been Major- General of the Legion, — the Higbees, Fosters, and other formidable foes, who had been expelled from the church. These sought to establish in Nauvoo an incendiary paper, called the Nauvoo Expositor - the avowed purpose of which was to stir up the people of Illinois to bring Joseph Smith " to justice for his crimes," and expel the saints from the State. It was like building the magazine of the enemy in the City of Refuge ; and so, after the issue of the first number of the Expositor, the Nauvoo City- Council declared the paper a public nuisance and dangerous to the peace of the commonwealth; and theythereupon ordered the office of the paper to be demolished by the Marshal and his posse.

The following minute from Joseph's diary, immediately after the execution of the order, illustrates the state of feeling then prevalent :

" At 2 o'clock p. m. I went into court. Many people were present. I talked an hour or two on passing events, the mob party, &c, and told the people I was ready to fight if the mob compelled me to, for I would not be in bondage. I asked the. assembly if they would stand by me, and they cried 'yes' from all quarters. I returned home."

But the consequence of this act of the City Council was quickly developed in an order for the arrest of the members, which order of arrest was issued by one of the justices of the peace of Hancock County, and required that the several members be brought before him or some other justice of the peace, to

answer to the charge of committing a riot in burning and destroying the office of the Nauvoo Expositor, "and further to be dealt with accordine to law."

When the warrant was served upon him, the Prophet elected to go before some justice of the peace in Nauvoo, but the officer demanded that he should go to Carthage, whence the warrant issued ; whereupon he took out a writ of habeas corpus, which being duly tried before the Municipal Court, he was adjudged to have acted under proper authority in destroying the establishment of the Nauvoo Expositor, and was accordingly discharged.

Excitement now ran very high, and reports of gathering mobs flew thick and fast. Joseph accordingly wrote to Gov. Ford as follows :

Nauvoo, III., June 16th, 1844. His Excellency, Thomas Ford.

Sir: — I am informed from credible sources, as well as from the proceedings of a public meeting at Carthage, &c, as published in the Warsaiv Signal extra, that an energetic attempt is being made by some of the citizens of this and the surrounding counties to drive and exterminate " the saints " by force of arms ; and I send this information to your Excellency by a special messenger, Hugh McFall, Adjutant-General, Nauvoo Legion, who will give all particulars, and I ask at your hands immediate counsel and protection.

Judge Thomas has been here and given his advice in the case, which I shall strictly follow until I hear from your Excellency, and in all cases shall adhere to the Constitution and laws.

The Nauvoo Legion is at your service to quell all insurrections and support the dignity of the common weal.

I wish, urgently wish, your Excellency to come down in person with your staff, and investigate the whole matter without delay, and cause peace to be restored to the country; and I know not but this will be the only means of stopping an effusion of blood.

The information referred to above is before me by affidavit.

I remain, sir, the friend of peace, and your Excellency's humble servant.

Joseph Smith.

On the same day (June 16th) Joseph received a message from Father Morley, who resided in another section of the county, stating that himself and brethren had been notified to either join the mob and proceed to Nauvoo to assist in arresting the Prophet, or give up their arms " and remain quiet until the fuss is over."

Joseph seems now to have become thoroughly aroused, as witness his answer:

Headquarters Nauvoo Legion, Nauvoo, June 16th, '44. Col. Isaac Morley.

Sir: — In reply to yours of this date, you will take special notice of the movements of the mob party that is stirring up strife and endeavoring to excite rebellion to the Government and destroy the saints, and cause all the troops of said Legion in your vicinity to be in readiness to act at a moment's warning; and if the mob shall fall upon the saints by force of arms, defend them at every hazard, unless prudence dictate the retreat of the troops to Nauvoo, in which case the mob will not disturb your women and children ; and if the mob move

towards Nauvoo, either come before them or in their rear, and be ready to co-operate with the main body of the legion. Instruct the companies to keep cool, and let all things be done decently and in order.

Give information by affidavit before a magistrate and special messengers to the Governor of what has occurred, and every illegal proceeding that shall be had on the subject, without delay. Also notify me of the same, and demand instruction and protection from the Governor.

Joseph Smith, Lieut.-Gen., Nauvoo Legion.

The Prophet's uncle, John Smith, having written him from Macedonia, 111., for counsel, he answered as follows :

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 bloodthirsty mob. I write 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 sailors' 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 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 in and investigate the whole matter.

I now conclude with my best wishes, and must refer you to the brethren for further information.

Joseph Smith.

Still more important was his direction to his brother Hyrum to write the following to President Brigham Young, with a note from himself:

Nauvoo, June 17th, 1844. Dear Brother B. Young.

There has been for several days a great excitement among the inhabitants in the adjoining counties. Mass meetings are held upon mass meeting, 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 of them will come over to take an active part in murdering the saints. The excitement is very great indeed.

It is thought 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.

In haste, I remain yours in the firm bonds of the new and everlasting covenant,

Hyrum Smith.

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 you will have to prepare for the onset.

In the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant, I remain yours,

Joseph Smith.

The reader should bear in mind that not only the entire quorum of the Twelve, excepting John Taylor and Willard Richards, were scattered on

mission in the States east, but that about five hundred of the ablest, strong-willed elders were also from home on the same campaign. To this fact, indeed, is largely to be ascribed the opportunity of the martyrdom. It was Brigham Young's repeated affirmation ever after the death of his chief, that; had he, with the Twelve, been home, Joseph should not have been given up.

On the same day (June 17th) the Prophet continues, in his diary :

"This morning I was arrested, together with Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, W. W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, J. P. Greene, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H. Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, David H. 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 Nanvoo Expositor press. At 2 p. M. we all went before Justice Wells at his house, and after a long and close examination, we were discharged."

Also, on the same day, Stephen Markham made affidavit that, from sources that he considered trustworthy, he learned that a mob might be expected to make an immediate attack upon Nauvoo, whereupon Joseph 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 Legion see that no violent act is committed. Gen. Dunham is hereby instructed to co-operate with the Marshal in keeping the peace, according to law.

Joseph Smith, Mayor.

Also the following :

Headquarters Nauvoo Legion, Nauvoo, June i 7th, 1844. To Maj.-Gen. 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. -Gen.

He also promptly indicted another order to Gen. Dunham, instructing him to execute all orders of the Marshal, etc.; and an order to Col. Rockwood, to muster his personal guard and staff, "with powder and ball."

On the 1 8th the Legion assembled according to orders, and in the afternoon of the same day the city was proclaimed under martial law, as follows :

Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo, June 1 8th, 1844. To the Marshal of 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 lives of the citizens, I do hereby declare the said city within the limits of its corporation 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.

During the afternoon of that day he also addressed the Legion as follows :

" 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 Esquire 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 should have been acquitted, for we have broken no law.

Constable Bettisworth comes 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 breaks the law and refuses us this privilege, declaring that he shall go before Morrison in Carthage, and no one else, when he knew that a numerous mob were 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 mobmen, 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 tog-ether thousands more of infuriated mobmen 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.] 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 cruel hand of oppression, cruelty, anarchy and misrule, to which they have long since 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 principles of our glorious constitution and the people's rights. [Drawing his sword and presenting it to heaven] 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, O, 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 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 forever 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.

On the 19th the Legion again assembled on the parade ground, and volunteers from Iowa and elsewhere joined them. Orders were issued, also, to picket all roads to the city and the river-bank, and all powder and lead in the city was secured, and surplus arms distributed.

On the 20th Joseph, with Gen. Dunham and staff, went to the prairie to view the ground and devise plans for the defense of the city, and select the proper locations to meet the mob. He also wrote to President Tyler, inclosing an affidavit of Carlos W. Lyon, reciting that arms, ammunition and men

were en route from St. Louis to Warsaw to reinforce the mob.

It is also worthy of note that Joseph at this time desired his brother Hyrum to escape, and leave him to his fate. Says he : I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family on the next steamboat and go to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied, ' Joseph, I cannot 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' "

On the 2 1 st Gov. Ford arrived at Carthage, whence he dispatched a letter to the Mayor and Council of Nauvoo, inquiring as to the matters in controversy, that he might proceed understandingly. In answer to this a number of affidavits of leading citizens of Nauvoo were taken, setting forth the grievances under which they were laboring, their action in the premises, &c, which were promptly sent to the Governor on the same day. Other affidavits were also prepared later in the day, to be submitted to the Governor on the following day.

On the 2 2d Gov. Ford returned answer to the Mayor and Council, in which he took the ground that the Municipal Court had exceeded its authority in the matter of the destruction of the Expositor office, and that all persons originally named in the first warrant of Justice Morrison must appear before him (Morrison) for trial. He also intimated that he should, if necessary, employ the whole militia force o{ the State to enforce his decision in the matter, but counseled peaceful acquiescence, and

pledged the safety of all who might be tried under the warrant, and their witnesses.

To this Joseph made a pacific but argumentative answer, defending the action thus far taken, but closing with the affirmation, " We will make all things right if the Government will give us the opportunity."

The gentlemen who bore this reply to the Governor were unable to secure his candid examination of the questions at issue, and retired after a most unsatisfactory interview.

Joseph thereupon resolved to proceed to Washington and lay the case before President Tyler.

Soon after dark, according to the record of that day [June 22d], Joseph called Hyrum, Willard Richards, John Taylor, W. W. Phelps, A. C. Hodge, John L. Butler, A. Cutler, William Marks, and some others, into his upper room, and said: " Brethren, here is a letter from the Governor [in answer to Joseph's last mentioned] which I wish to have read." After it was read through, Joseph remarked, "There is no mercy — no mercy here." Hyrum said, " No ; just as sure as we fall into their hards we are dead men." Joseph replied, "Yes; what shall we do, Brother Hyrum?" He replied, "I don't know." All at once Joseph's countenance brightened up, and he said: " The way is open. It is clear to my mind what to do. All they want is Hyrum and myself, then tell everybody to go about their business and not to collect in groups, but to scatter about. There is no doubt they will come here and search for us. Let them search ; they will not harm you in person nor property, and not even

a hair of your head. We will cross the river tonight, and go away to the West." He made a move to go out of the house to cross the river. When out of doors he told Butler and Hodge to take the Maid of Iowa (in charge of Repsher), get her to the upper landing, and put his and Hyrum's families and effects upon her, then to go down the Mississippi and up the Ohio River to Portsmouth, where they should hear from them. He then took Hodge by the hand and said: "Now, Brother Hodge, let what will come, don't deny the faith, and all will be well."

" I told Stephen Markham," says Joseph, " that ' if I and Hyrum were ever taken again, we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God.' I want Hyrum to live to avenge my blood, but he is determined not to leave me."

Thus ends Joseph's diary, the last thought of which is for his brother Hyrum. Too well he felt that his time was now come, but he essayed to save his beloved brother. His time had indeed come. And also, as though to point the parallel, the body of his apostles and a host of his chief elders had been sent away to leave him alone in his Gethse-

[Footnote: mane.]