Signs of Peace

Colonel Fellows and Captain Jonas are requested to proceed by the first boat to Nauvoo and ascertain what is the feeling, disposition, and determination of the people there, in reference to the late disturbances, ascertain whether any of them propose in any manner to revenge themselves, whether any threats have been used, and what is proposed generally, to be done by them. They are also requested to return to Warsaw and make similar enquiries [inquiries] there; ascertain how far false rumors have been put afloat for the purpose of raising forces; what is the purpose of the militia assembled, whether any attack is intended on Nauvoo. Ascertain also, whether any persons from Missouri or Iowa intend to take part in the matter, and in my name forbid any such interference, without my request, on pain of being demanded for punishment.

(Signed,) THOMAS FORD.

June 30th, 1844.

Nauvoo, July 1, 1844.

To the City Council of Nauvoo:

Gentlemen:- With this, you will receive a copy of instructions, from Gov. Ford to us.-

You will understand from them, what we desire from you in action on your part,-as the only authorities now known to the country, of such character as will pacify the public mind and satisfy the Governor of your determination to sustain the supremacy of the laws, will, we are sure, be gratifying to him, and as much so to.

Yours Respectfully,

HART FELLOWS,

A. JONAS.

At a meeting of the City Council, held in the Council Room, in the city of Nauvoo, on the first day of July, 1844, having received instructions from Gov. Ford, through the agency of A. Jonas Esq. and Col. Fellows, it was unanimously,

Resolved, For the purpose of ensuring peace, and promoting the welfare of the county of Hancock, and surrounding country, that we will rigidly, sustain the laws, and the governor of the state, so long as they, and he, sustain us in all our constitutional rights.

Resolved, secondly, That to carry the foregoing resolutions into complete effect, that inasmuch as the Governor has taken from us the public arms, that we solicit of him to do the same with all the rest of the public arms of the state.

Resolved, thirdly, To further secure the peace, friendship and happiness of the people, and allay the excitement that now exists, we will reprobate private revenge on the assassinators of General Joseph Smith, and General Hyrum Smith, by any of the Latter day Saints. That instead of "an appeal to arms," we appeal to the majesty of the law, and will be content with whatever judgment it shall award; and should the law fail, we leave the matter with God.

Resolved, unanimously, That this City Council, pledge themselves for the city of Nauvoo, that no agressions [aggressions] by the citizens of said city, shall be made on the citizens of the surrounding country, but we invite them, as friends, and neighbors to use the Savior's golden rule, and "do unto others as they would have others do unto them," and we will do likewise.

Resolved, lastly, That we highly approve of the present public pacific course of the Governor to allay excitement, and restore peace among the citizens of the country, and while he does so, and will use his influence to stop all vexatious proceedings in law, until confidence is restored, so that the citizens of Nauvoo, can go to Carthage, or any other place for trial, without exposing themselves to the violence of assassins, we will uphold him, and the law by all honorable means.

GEO. W. HARRIS, pro tem

WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.

A. Jonas Esq., and Col. Fellows:

Messrs:-In reply to your communication to the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, on behalf of his Excellency Gov. Ford, I have been instructed by the council to communicate the foregoing resolutions which I solicit for your consideration, and at the same time would inform you that a public meeting of our citizens will take place at the stand east of the temple, at 4 P. M. and solicit your attendance.

Most respectfully,

your ob't serv't,

W. RICHARDS.