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Title: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6

Author: Joseph Smith
B. H. Roberts

Release Date: November 22, 2019 [EBook #60758]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--LATTER-DAY SAINTS, VOL 6 ***

Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (https://mormontextsproject.org/)

HISTORY

OF THE

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

OF

LATTER-DAY SAINTS

PERIOD I.

History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet,

By Himself.

Volume VI.

An Introduction and Notes

By

B. H. Roberts

Published by the Church.

Salt Lake City, Utah,

1912.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

VOLUME VI.

INTRODUCTION.

The Time Period.
Why the Latter-day Saints were Welcomed to Illinois.
Nauvoo as a Possible Manufacturing Center.
Educational Measures at Nauvoo.
Jealousy of Nauvoo's Promising Greatness.
The Character of the People of Western Illinois.
Educational Status of the People of Western Illinois.
The Political Phase.
Mischief Arising from False Legal and Political Counsel.
Subserviency of Politicians and Lawyers.
The Fate of a Balance of Power Factor in Politics.
Joseph Smith's Candidacy for the Presidency.
Missouri as a Factor in the Affairs of Nauvoo.
Apostate Conspirators at Nauvoo.
The Expositor Affair.
The Appeal to the Mob Spirit.
The Prophet's Nobility in the Hour of Trial.
Teacher.
Prophet and Patriarch.

CHAPTER I.

AN ESTIMATE OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH AS A RELIGIOUS
LEADER—ANTI-MORMON MEETING AT CARTHAGE—
HISTORICAL SKETCH—IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF THE
TWELVE HELD IN BOSTON.

Minutes of the Manchester Conference.
"Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet."
Preamble and Resolutions.
Historical Sketch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Important Conference of the Twelve held at Boylston Hall, Boston.

CHAPTER II.

MOVEMENTS OF APOSTLES IN THE EAST—THE NAUVOO
MANSION—ROCKWELL
ACQUITTED—SPECIAL

CONFERENCE
AT
NAUVOO—DISCOURSE
OF
THE

PROPHET ON THE DEMISE OF JAMES ADAMS.

The Drought of 1843.
Woodruff in a Train Wreck.
Nauvoo and Joseph Smith.
The Prophet on Socialism.
"Nauvoo Mansion."
"Nauvoo Mansion" made a Hotel.
Legion Parade and Inspection.
Letter of Governor Ford to the Prophet.
Conference in Nova Scotia.
Porter Rockwell.
Pacific Island Mission.
Report from the Pinery.
Stewardship vs. Common Stock.
Concerning Horse Thieves.
Meeting of a Special Council.
Who shall be our next President?.
The Appointment of a Mission to Russia.
Movements of Apostles in the East.
Pleasure Party and Dinner at the Nauvoo Mansion.
Anti-Mormonism.
Elder Reuben Hedlock to the First Presidency.
The Prophet's Visit with Justin Butterfield.
Instructions Respecting Plurality of Wives.
The Prophet's Dissatisfaction with Sidney Rigdon.

{IV}

Minutes of a Special Conference.
The Prophet's Remarks on the Demise of James Adams.
Pacific Island Mission Embarks.

CHAPTER III.

ANCIENT RUINS IN AMERICA, BOOK OF MORMON
EVIDENCES—THE PROPHET ON THE U. S. CONSTITUTION
AND THE BIBLE—MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED—
LETTER TO THE U. S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES—THE
PROPHET'S ADDRESS TO THE SAINTS.

Ancient Ruins—Introduction.
Letter—H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith.
Letter—Joseph Smith to H. R. Hotchkiss.
Location of the Mind.
The Prophet on the Constitution of the United States and the Bible—Temporal Economies.
The Prophet's Visit to Macedonia.
Misrepresentations Corrected.
Labors of the Apostles in the East.
Hyrum Smith Appointed on Temple Committee.
Letter—Joseph L. Heywood to Joseph Smith.
Letters to Candidates for Presidency of the U. S. Decided upon.
An Epistle of the Twelve to the Elders and Churches Abroad.
President Smith's Letter to John C. Calhoun, and other Presidential Candidates.
Post Script to Van Buren.
Work in the British Mission.
The Prophet's Anxiety Concerning the History of the Church.
Preliminary Steps to Publishing Nauvoo Edition of Doctrine and Covenants.
Communication of President Joseph Smith to the Saints.

CHAPTER IV.

CORRESPONDENCE
BETWEEN
JAMES
ARLINGTON

BENNETT AND PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH—RENEWAL OF
PETITIONS TO CONGRESS FOR REDRESS OF MISSOURI
GRIEVANCES—PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH'S APPEAL TO
THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS, VERMONT—STATUS OF
THE NAUVOO LEGION IN ILLINOIS MILITIA.

Prosperity of the Work in England.
Letter—James Arlington Bennett to President Joseph Smith.
Letter—President Joseph Smith to James Arlington Bennett.
Grammar for the Egyptian Language Suggested.
Meeting at the Prophet's Home.
Canal Around the Des Moines Rapids.
The Prophet's Stand on Chastity and General Morality.
Letter—Brigham Young in Behalf of the Twelve to Elder John E. Page, Appointing him to go to Washington.
Renewal of Petitions to Congress.
"Memorial."
Activities in Renewal of Appeals to Congress.
President Smith's Appeals to his Native State—Vermont.
Letter: W. L. D. Ewing, State Auditor, to Major John Bills—Legion Affairs.
Letter: J. Lamborn, Attorney General of Illinois, on Above.
Letter: J. N. McDougal to State Auditor.

CHAPTER V.

THE AVERY KIDNAPPING—DEFENSIVE PREPARATIONS
AGAINST MISSOURI MOBS—APPEALS TO THE GENERAL
GOVERNMENT FOR PROTECTION—NAUVOO LEGION
OFFERED AS UNITED STATES TROOPS.

Progress of the Work.
Hyrum Smith meets with an Accident.
Number of the Prophet's Vexations Lawsuits.
Chapman's Affidavit in the Avery Case.

{V}

Letter: President Joseph Smith to Governor Ford.
Public Meeting at Nauvoo.
Resolutions.
Provisions for German Meetings.
Precautionary Steps Against Missouri Invasions.
Richards and Lewis Affidavit.
An Order to the City Marshal.
The City Marshal's Reply.
Mayor's Order to the Commander of the Nauvoo Legion.
Special Ordinance in the Prophet's Case, vs. Missouri.
Petition for Nauvoo to be Placed Under the General Government.
Public Meeting at Nauvoo.
Letter of Wilson Law to Joseph Smith.
Avery Case—a Reminiscence of Missouri Days.
Affidavit of Sissiou Chase.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford.
Nauvoo's Police Force Enlarged.
Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith.
Ordinance Enlarging Police Force.
Ordinance on the Personal Sale of Liquors.
Public Meeting at Nauvoo—the Aggressions of Missouri.
Letter: Governor Ford to President Smith.
Comment of the Prophet on Gov. Ford's attitude.
A Sudden Illness of the Prophet.
Comment on Appeal to the General Government for Protection.
The Trial of John Elliott.
Legion Aid Applied for.
Detachment of the Legion Ordered into Service.
Affidavit of Willard Richards that Nauvoo was in Danger.
Legion Ordered into Service—Moves and Counter Moves of Forces.
Strange Celestial Phenomena of 1860.
Affidavit of Amos Chase.
Affidavit of Philander Avery.
Affidavit of the Hamiltons.

CHAPTER VI.

MEMORIAL OF CITY COUNCIL TO CONGRESS ANENT
MISSOURI AFFAIRS—ROCKWELL RETURNS TO NAUVOO
—RECITAL OF HIS ADVENTURES—AVERY'S ACQUITTAL
BY MISSOURI'S COURTS—NAUVOO'S POLICE FORCE
INCREASED PUBLICATION ON MORMONISM, PRO ET CON
—1843.

The Prophet for a Clean, Orderly City.
Memorial of the City Council to Congress.
An Ordinance.
Letter: W. W. Phelps to J. White.
Attitude of Prophet on Mobocracy and Politics.
A Christmas Serenade.
Rockwell's Return to Nauvoo.
Rockwell's Experience in Missouri.
Release of Daniel Avery.
A Plan for Women's Subscription to the Temple.
Prophet's Joy at the Return of Rockwell and Avery.
Mr. Rockwell—Editorial.
Affidavit of Orson Hyde.
Affidavit of Daniel Avery.
Joseph H. Jackson—Prophet's Interview with.
Police Force of Nauvoo Increased.
Address of the Mayor to the Nauvoo Public.
The Mayor Blesses the Police.
Letter to Governor Ford.
Pro et con Mormonism, Publications.

CHAPTER VII.

{VI}

PRESIDENT SMITH'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH JOHN C.
CALHOUN—CARTWRIGHT DROWNING CASE, ENGLAND—
CITY GUARDS INCREASED—FEARS OF LAW AND MARKS
—INVESTIGATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL—RESISTANCE
OF
OFFICERS
AT
CARTHAGE—ANTI-MORMON

OBJECTIONS TO CITY ORDINANCES—THE PROPHET'S
DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCIS M. HIGBEE—REGULATIONS
FOR THE SALE OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

New Years at Mansion.
Letter: John C. Calhoun to Joseph Smith.
Letter: Joseph Smith to John C. Calhoun.
Release of Pugmire and Cartwright from Prison, England.
Cartwright—Drowning.
Difficulty of William Law et al. with the Police.
Reconciliation of the Prophet and William Law.
Repartee of Joseph and Emma Smith.
Alarm of William Marks.
Special Sessions of the City Council.
Reflections of the Prophet as to Traitors in High Places.
Disgraceful Affair at Carthage.
John Smith, Uncle of the Prophet, Ordained a Patriarch.
Special Sessions of City Council—Complaints of Carthage Citizens Considered.
Complaints of F. M. Higbee Against the Prophet.
Conference in Michigan.
Threats of Francis M. Higbee.
Letter: the Twelve Apostles to the Saints at Morley Settlement—Material Help Asked for.
Appeal to the State of Maine.
Francis M. Higbee on Trial—Reconciliation with the Prophet.
An Ordinance Concerning the Sale of Spirituous Liquors.
An Ordinance Concerning Witnesses and Jurors' Fees.
Assault upon Nelson Judd.

CHAPTER VIII.

PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON TO QUEEN
VICTORIA—THE SEALING POWERS OF THE PRIESTHOOD—
GOVERNOR FORD'S WARNING TO THE PEOPLE OF
HANCOCK COUNTY—APOSTROPHE TO MISSOURI—
JOSEPH SMITH NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES—HIS VIEWS ON THE POWERS AND
POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

"Stanzas."
Discourse: The Sealing Power in the Priesthood.
Nauvoo Mansion Leased.
Sale of the Printing Establishment to John Taylor.
Importance of Elders Keeping Journals.
The Presidential Election Considered.
The Prophet on the Campaign.
Commencement of Prophet's Views on Powers and Policy of U.S.
Governor Ford's Warning to the People.
Winchester's Mission to Warsaw.
Preparation of Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania.
"Missouri."
An Appeal to Massachusetts—Phinehas Richards.
The Prophet's Dream—Troubled Waters Overcome.
Mormon Improvement.
The 144,000 Selection Begun.
Architecture of the Nauvoo Temple.
Originality of The Prophet's Bank Views.
Views of the Powers on the Government of the United States—Joseph Smith.

CHAPTER IX

COMMENTS ON CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR

{VII}

{VIII}

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES—TENDERS OF PEACE
TO MISSOURI—PRELIMINARY STEPS TO WESTERN
MOVEMENT OF THE CHURCH—JAMES A. BENNETT AND
VICE-PRESIDENCY.

Views of the Prophet on his Candidacy for President of United States.
Public Meeting.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Joseph L. Heywood.
Who shall be our Next President?.
Pacific Inuendo.
Anti-Mormon Convention at Carthage.
Delegation from Lyman Wight on Indian Affairs.
Western Movement for the Church Contemplated.
The Prophet on the Necessity of Complete Obedience to God.
Minutes of a Council of the Twelve.
The Western Exploring Equipment.
A Prophecy of the Deliverance of the Saints.
The Case of Botswick's Slander of Hyrum Smith.
For President, Joseph Smith.
A Reply Sketched to Cassius M. Clay.
The High Council to the Saints in Nauvoo.
Minutes of a Council Meeting.
Letter: Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett.

CHAPTER X.

URGING THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE—TENDERS OF
PEACE TO MISSOURI—PROPHET'S DISCOURSE ON ELIAS,
ELIJAH, MESSIAH—LYMAN WIGHT'S PROPOSAL OF A
SOUTHWEST MOVEMENT FOR THE CHURCH.

Special Session of the City Council.
Packard's Memorial to Legislature of Massachusetts.
Minutes of a General Meeting in the Interest of the Temple.
Arrival of William Kay and Company of English Saints.
James A. Bennett Ineligible for Vice-President U. S.
A Friendly Hint to Missouri.
St. Louis' Comment on the Prophet's Candidacy.
Copeland, Tennessee, Considered as Candidate for Vice-President.
Matter of Wharfage.
Death of King Follett.
King Follett's Biography.
Discourse of the Prophet on.
Letter: Lyman Wight to the First Presidency.
Letter: Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith Suggesting a Southwest Movement for the Church.
Special Council Meeting on Wight and Miller Letters.

CHAPTER XI.

ORSON PRATT SENT TO WASHINGTON AS AGENT OF
NAUVOO—AMOS FIELDING TO ENGLAND, DITTO—
COMMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR
PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.—CONSPIRACY OF THE LAWS,
HIGBEES, FOSTERS ET AL AGAINST JOSEPH SMITH—THE
PROPHET'S MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS—OCCUPATION OF
THE WEST CONTEMPLATED.

Credentials of Orson Pratt as Agent for the City of Nauvoo.
Co-operative Store Planned.
Credentials of Elder Amos Fielding on Departing for England.
John Wilkie, the Blessing upon him.
Status of Nauvoo in the Spring of 1844.
Wind Storm at Nauvoo.
General Joseph Smith a Candidate for President.
New Candidate in the Field.
Origin of Memorial to Congress.

{IX}

The Seventies' Hall, Instruction on Rebuilding.
President Smith's Interview with Mrs. Foster.
Discourse of President Smith—Conspiracies in Nauvoo.
Progress on Memorial to Congress.
The Prophet's Memorial to Congress.
Ordinance.
Affidavit of Abiathar B. Williams.
Affidavit of M. G. Eaton.
The Robbery at Rollasson's Store in Nauvoo.
Memorial to the President of the United States.
Credentials of Orson Hyde.

CHAPTER XII.

THE AUTHORITIES OF NAUVOO
vs. THE HIGBEES ET AL.—

DEDICATION OF THE MASONIC HALL—THE CHURCH
CONFERENCE IN APRIL, 1844—ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT
DISNEY RIGDON.

Comments on the Negro Chism's Case.
The Higbee Brothers in Trouble.
Counter Move of the Higbees.
Conference in New York.
General Conference Minutes of the Church.
Opening Address of President Joseph Smith.
Elder Sidney Rigdon.

CHAPTER XIII.

CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH, APRIL, 1844, CONTINUED
—ADDRESS
OF
PATRIARCH
HYRUM
SMITH—THE

BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE.

Address of Elder Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church—Plans suggested to secure Means for Completing the Nauvoo
Temple.

CHAPTER XIV.

GENERAL CONFERENCE FOR APRIL, 1844, (CONCLUDED)
—THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE WHOLE LAND OF
AMERICA IS ZION—INSTRUCTIONS TO ELDERS SET APART
FOR MISSIONS—A GENERAL CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND.

President Joseph Smith's Remarks—the whole of America Zion.
Special Meeting of Elders.
Address of Brigham Young.
North and South America Zion.
Address of Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch.
Address of Heber C. Kimball.
Brigham Young's Instruction to the Elders.
Comment of President Smith on the Conference.
A General Conference in England.

CHAPTER XV.

DIFFICULTIES WITH THE HIGBEES AND FOSTERS,
CONFERENCES
APPOINTED
BY
THE
TWELVE

THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES—INSTRUCTIONS TO
REUBEN HEDLOCK, PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH MISSION
—PREPARATIONS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF THE WORK—
FRANCIS M. HIGBEE'S SUIT AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH—
THE PROPHET RELEASED.

Excommunication of the Laws Fosters, et al.
Violence of the Fosters and Higbees.
The Foster-Higbee Embroilment.
Letter: Brigham Young and Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock.

{X}

Letter: Parley P. Pratt to Joseph Smith, et al.
The Prophet's Petition for Writ of habeas corpus.
Order of the Municipal Court.
The People of the State of Illinois to the Sheriff of Hancock County.

CHAPTER XVI.

ADDRESS OF THE PROPHET—HIS PROPHETIC CALLING
AND THE RESURRECTION—STATUS OF AFFAIRS AT
NAUVOO—HYDE'S REPORT FROM WASHINGTON OF THE
WESTERN MOVEMENT—OREGON.

Theatricals in Nauvoo.
President Joseph Smith's Address—Defense of his Prophetic Calling.
Nauvoo and President Smith—Neighbor Editorial.
Letter: Elder Orson Hyde's Report of Labors in Washington.
Letter: Orson Hyde's Second Letter from Washington Anent the Western Movement of the Church.
Letter: Henry Clay to the Prophet.
The Prophet's Answer to Clay's Letter.
Status of Affairs at Nauvoo.
Withdrawal of William Smith as Candidate from the Legislature.
Session of Municipal Court—Case of Jeremiah Smith.
Letter: William Clayton, Describing the Farcical Proceedings of the Court at Dixon in the Case of Joseph Smith.
Steamboat Election.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE STATE PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTION AT NAUVOO—
THE STATES REPRESENTED—SPEECH OF JOHN S. REID,
ESQ.—EARLY DAYS WITH THE PROPHET.

State Convention at Nauvoo.
Resolutions.
Synopsis of the Remarks of Hon. John S. Reid.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHARGES AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH BEFORE THE
CIRCUIT COURT—HIS VOLUNTARY APPEARANCE AT
COURT—TREATMENT—RETURN TO NAUVOO.

Court Session at Carthage.
Letter: George A. Smith to Times and Seasons.
Visit of Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo.
Address of the Prophet to the Indians.
Hyrum's Caution to the Prophet on the Freedom of Speaking.
Letter: Central Campaign Committee to Hugh Clark, Esq.
Reported Indictment of the Prophet.
Letter: Willard Richards to Orson Hyde.
Editorial Comment.
Conference in Jefferson Co., N. Y.
Conference, Dresden, Tenn.
Threat to Kidnap Jeremiah Smith.
President Smith Voluntarily Goes to Carthage to Meet Indictments.
The Return to Nauvoo.

CHAPTER XIX.

CASE OF JEREMIAH SMITH BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT AT
NAUVOO—AFFIDAVITS OF CRIMES OF CHAUNCEY L.
HIGBEE—APPEARANCE OF THE "EXPOSITOR."

Arrest of Jeremiah Smith by U. S. Authority.
Letter: D. S. Hollister to Joseph Smith.
Municipal Court—Case of Jeremiah Smith.
Municipal Court Minutes in the Case of Jeremiah Smith.
Letter: Joseph Sith to Judge Pope, Introducing Jeremiah Smith.

{XI}

{XII}

Affidavit: H. T. Hugins Anent Threat to Bring Dragoons Against Nauvoo.
Joel H. Walker to Joseph Smith—Proposes to Join Prophet in Western Volunteer Movement.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Joel H. Walker.
Conference at Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Conference at Glasgow, Scotland.
Letter: "Horace" to President Joseph Smith—Threatened Invasion of Nauvoo.
Letter: Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Mr. Tewkesbury—Seeking to Restore Latter to Fellowship.
Prosecution of the Laws and Fosters Discussed.
Letter: Joseph Smith to I. Daniel Rupp—Book on Religious Sects.
Prophet's Conversation with Dr. Foster.
First Number of the Expositor.
Conference at Pleasant Valley Michigan.

CHAPTER XX.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "NAUVOO EXPOSITOR"—
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NAUVOO CITY COUNCIL AND
MAYOR.

Nauvoo Expositor Before Nauvoo City Council.
Ordinance on Libels.
Ordinance Concerning Libels and for Other Purposes.
Synopsis of Proceedings in the City Council Against the Nauvoo Expositor.
Prospectus of the Nauvoo Expositor.
Proclamation.
Letter: L. W. Hickock to Joseph Smith—Probability of Indictment of the Prophet et al. at Springfield.
Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith—Warning the Prophet of Probable Indictment.

CHAPTER XXI.

PRESIDENT SMITH ARRESTED FOR RIOT IN RELATION TO
"EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR—HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS
BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT—A CALL FROM ARKANSAS—
THE PROPHET'S DREAMS—MASS MEETING AT WARSAW—
LETTERS TO GOVERNOR FORD ON "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR.

The People of the State of Illinois to all Constables, Sheriffs and Coroners of the State.
The Prophet Asserts his Rights Under the Law.
The Prophet's Petition for Writ of habeas corpus.
Petition of the Prophet Granted.
Hearing on the Expositor Affairs Before the Municipal Court at Nauvoo.
Letter: Washington Tucker to President Smith—Asking that Elders be Sent to Arkansas.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Washington Tucker, Promising that an Elder should be Sent.
Retributive Justice.
Further Action of Municipal Court on Expositor Case.
The Prophet's Dreams on Condition of Apostates at Nauvoo.
Threats of Carthage Mob Against Nauvoo.
Mass Meeting at Warsaw.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Explaining Action of City Council in Proceedings in Expositor Affairs.
Letter: John M. Bernhisel to Governor Ford—Confirming Correctness of the Prophet's Report of Expositor Affairs.
Letter: Wakefield to Governor Ford—Anent the Expositor Affair.
The Prophet's Advice on Giving up Arms.
Letter: A. Ladd to Joseph Smith.

CHAPTER XXII.

DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET—THE GODHEAD—THE MOB
UPRISING—ARREST OF PRESIDENT SMITH ET AL. OVER
THE "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR BEFORE ESQUIRE WELLS.

Conference in Michigan.
Sermon by the Prophet—the Christian Godhead—Plurality of Gods.
Advice of Judge Thomas on Expositor Affair.
Inquiry of Delegation from Madison.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Inviting the Governor to Nauvoo.
Affidavit: Mob Movements.
Letter: Isaac Morley to Joseph Smith—Mob Threats.

{XIII}

Letter: Joseph Smith to Isaac Morley—Instructions on Resisting Mob.
Minutes of a Public Meeting at Nauvoo.
Proclamation.
Letter: John Smith to Joseph Smith, Accompanying Delegation to the Prophet.
Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith—Instructions in Case of Mob Violence.
Letter: Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young—Calling Home the Twelve.
Arrest of the Prophet et al. for Destroying the Expositor Press.
Minutes of the Trial of Joseph Smith et al. Before Esquire Wells—Expositor Affair.

CHAPTER XXIII.

RUMORS OF INVASION FROM MISSOURI—THE LEGION
ORDERED TO ASSIST THE CITY MARSHAL—NAUVOO
PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW—THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS
TO THE LEGION.

Affidavit of Stephen Markham—Nauvoo to be Attacked.
Proclamation.
Order to the Legion.
Legion Placed at Command of City Marshal.
Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith—Probable Indictment of the Prophet at Springfield.
Charge of Threats Against Foster's Life.
Declaration of Martial Law.
Proclamation.
Affidavit: Truman Gillett—the Treachery of William Law.
Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins—Congratulating Jeremiah Smith on his Release.
Governor Ford's Treatment of the Mob.
Threats Against the Prophet's Life.
Affidavit, Canfield and Belknap—Concerning Threats of Invasion from Missouri.

CHAPTER XXIV.

ATTEMPTS TO DRAFT SAINTS INTO MOB SERVICE
AGAINST NAUVOO—THREATENED INVASION FROM
MISSOURI—JAMES A. BENNETT URGED TO COME TO
NAUVOO.

Effort to Draft Chester Loveland into Mob Service.
Roads Leading into Nauvoo Picketed.
Affidavit: Call, Evans, and Horner—Treatment of Nauvoo Committee by Levi Williams et al.
Preparations for an Attack.
Report of Dr Southwick.
Affidavit: Carlos W. Lyon.
An Appeal to President Tyler.
Affidavit: Mont and Cuningham—Attempt to Draft them into Mob Service.
Affidavit: Allen T. Wait—Attempt to Draft him into Mob Service.
Affidavit: Isaac Morley et al.—Attempt to Draft into Mob Service.
Affidavit: Hancock, Garner, Lofton—Attempt to Draft them into Mob Service.
Affidavit: James Guyman—Threats of Invasion from Missouri.
Affidavit: Obediah Bowen—Attempt to Draft him into Service of Mob.
Affidavit: Alvah Tippetts—Violence of John Williams Upon.
Reinforcement for Nauvoo from Ramus.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Ballantyne and Slater—Advice on Moving into Nauvoo.
Affidavit: Greene and Bernhisel—Threatened Invasion from Missouri.
Letter: Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett—Affairs in Nauvoo—Western Movement.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE TWELVE CALLED FROM EASTERN MISSION—
GOVERNOR FORD AT CARTHAGE—NAUVOO DELEGATION
TO GOVERNOR—THREATS AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST
THE PROPHET'S LIFE—GOVERNOR FORD INVITED TO
NAUVOO TO INVESTIGATE CONDITIONS.

The Apostles Called Home.
A Prophecy—No Gun Fired on Part of Saints.
Letter: Robert D. Foster to John Proctor—Fragment—Instruction as to Property.

{XIV}

{XV}

Hyrum Smith's Fidelity to the Prophet.
Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of Nauvoo, Asking Representatives to Meet him at Carthage.
Joseph H. Jackson at Nauvoo.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Submitting Documents.
Affidavit: John P. Greene—Joseph H. Jackson Threatens Prophet's Life.
Affidavit: Joseph Smith—Conspiracy Against Affiant's Life.
Affidavit: Joseph Jackson—Francis M. Higbee's Threat to Kill the Prophet.
Affidavit: Joseph Jackson—Reporting Mob at Pilot Grove.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Inviting the Governor to come to Nauvoo and investigate Conditions.

CHAPTER XXVI.

PREPARATIONS
TO
DEFEND
NAUVOO—MOB

MOVEMENTS ON CARTHAGE ROAD—GOVERNOR FORD'S
REVIEW OF HANCOCK COUNTY DIFFICULTIES—JOSEPH
SMITH'S ACCOUNT OF THE SAME DIFFICULTIES—
DEFENSE OF HIS OWN AND ASSOCIATES' COURSE.

Orders from Nauvoo's Entrenchment.
Affidavit: Edward Robinson—Threats Against Nauvoo.
Affidavit: James Olive—Mob Movements on the Carthage Road.
Affidavit: George G. Johnston—Militia Under Governor to Move on Nauvoo.
Affidavit: Gideon Gibbs—Mob on La Harpe Road.
Affidavit: Luman H. Calkins—Nauvoo Conspiracy Against The Prophet's Life.
The Prophet's Life.
General Orders.
A Petition to hear the Prophet Speak.
Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and City Council of the City of Nauvoo.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Defending the Action of the City Council in the Expositor Affair.

CHAPTER XXVII.

GOVERNOR
FORD'S
WRONG
VIEWPOINT—ELDER

TAYLOR'S ACCOUNT OF THE INTERVIEW WITH THE
GOVERNOR AT CARTHAGE—CLOSE OF THE PROPHET'S
JOURNAL NARRATIVE OF HIS LIFE.

Governor Ford's Biased Judgment.
Elder John Taylor's Account of Interview with Governor Ford at Carthage.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE PROPHET STARTS FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS—
THE COUNSEL OF FALSE BRETHREN—THE RETURN TO
NAUVOO—THE
SURRENDER
AND
ARRIVAL
AT

CARTHAGE.

The Warning to Flee to the Rocky Mountains.
Preparations for the Western Movement.
Arrival of the Constable's Posse.
Emma's Message to the Prophet.
Consultation with Rockwell.
Letter: Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Governor Ford—Consenting to go to Carthage.
Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins—Engaging Counsel.
Letter: Joseph Smith to J. R. Wakefield—Soliciting Latter's Attendance as Witness.
The Prophet Returns to Nauvoo.
Vacillation of Governor Ford.
Certificate: Captain Anderson—on Retention of People in Nauvoo.
Letter: Ed. Johnston to Joseph Smith—About Counsel.
Preparations for Going to Carthage.
Defendants in the Expositor case.
Incidents en route for Carthage.
Meeting with Captain Dunn.
A Pathetic Prophecy.
Dunn's Request that the Prophet Return to Nauvoo.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Explaining his Return to Nauvoo.
Order: Joseph Smith to General Dunham—Complying with Governor Ford's Demand for State Arms.

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Messengers sent to Carthage.
Surrender of State Arms.
The Prophet's Farewell to his Family.
Looking Back—Sadness.
Letter: Messrs. Reid and Woods to Joseph Smith—Documents for Defense.
The Prophet's Arrival at Carthage.
The Governor Pacifies the Mob.
The Apostates at Carthage.

CHAPTER XXIX.

ARREST OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH ON A CHARGE OF
TREASON—FALSE
IMPRISONMENT—ELDER
TAYLOR'S

PROTEST—FALSE IMPRISONMENT.

The Governor's Pledge of Protections.
The Arrest for Treason.
Writ of Arrest for Treason.
Governor Ford's Speech to the Prophet.
The Prophet's Request for an Interview with Governor Ford.
The Prophet Presented to the Troops.
Revolt of the Carthage Greys.
Threats of Apostates to Plunder Nauvoo.
Letter: the Prophet to Emma Smith—Governor Ford Going to Nauvoo.
The Prophet's Warning to Rockwell.
The Prophet's Interview with Militia Officers.
Law Cannot Reach Them, Powder and Ball must.
Arraigned on the Expositor Affair.
Prophet et al. Bound Over to Circuit Court.
The Sureties for the Prophet.
Another Warrant Sought—Daniel's Kingdom and Treason.
Illegal Imprisonment of the Smith Brothers.
Gov. Ford Refuses to Interfere with Illegal Proceedings.
Elder Taylor's Remonstrance with Gov. Ford.
Elder Taylor Takes Independent Action.
In Carthage Jail.

CHAPTER XXX.

INTERVIEW IN CARTHAGE PRISON BETWEEN GOVERNOR
FORD AND THE PROPHET—TAYLOR'S REPORT OF THE
INTERVIEW—TESTIMONY TO THE EXISTENCE OF A
CARTHAGE CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE PROPHET'S LIFE.

Messages to the Governor.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Soliciting an Interview.
Word from Governor Ford.
Consultation with Counsel.
Interview with Governor Ford.
Elder John Taylor's Account of Governor Ford's and President Smith's Interview.
Affidavit: Alfred Randall—Threats Against the Prophet's Life in Carthage.
Affidavit: Jonathan C. Wright—Conspiracy Against the Prophet's Life at Carthage.
Affidavit: Orrin P. Rockwell—Governor Ford in Nauvoo.
Affidavit: William G. Sterrett—Conduct of Governor Ford and posse while in Nauvoo.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Judge Thomas—Engaging Thomas as Legal Counsel.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE PROPHET IN CARTHAGE PRISON—THE UNION OF
JUDICIAL, EXECUTIVE, AND MILITARY AUTHORITY IN
DEALING WITH THE PRISONERS—THE LAST NIGHT IN
PRISON.

The Prophet's Anxiety for his own Safety.
Hyrum as Comforter.
Status of Prisoners Under the Law.
Letter: General Miner R. Deming to Joseph Smith—Protection and Admission to Presence of the Prophet.

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Effect of a False Commitment.
Threats in the Governor's Presence.
Conference of Governor Ford and Justice Smith.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Messrs. Woods and Reid—Anent Excitement in Carthage.
Joseph and Hyrum Smith Forced from Prison.
Prisoners before the Court.
Examination Postponed.
Brave Patriarch John Smith.
Pathetic Interview Between the Prophet and "Uncle John."
Letter: William Clayton to Joseph Smith—Conditions in Nauvoo.
Militia Council Meeting at Carthage.
The Last Night in Carthage Prison.
Conversation with John S. Fullmer.
Prophecy on the Head of Dan Jones.

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE DAY OF THE MARTYRDOM—THREATS—REPEATED
WARNINGS OF THE PRISONERS' DANGER GIVEN TO
GOVERNOR FORD—THE CARTHAGE GREYS AS GUARDS.

Threats of Frank Worrell.
Governor Ford Warned of Worrell's Threats.
Jones' Warning to Governor Ford.
Boasts of the Mob.
Chauncey L. Higbee to Kill the Prophet.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Emma Smith—Prophet's Instructions as to Reception of the Governor.
Dr. Southwick's Report of the Carthage Meeting.
Appointment of the Carthage Greys to Guard the Prisoners.
Wheelock's Remonstrance to Governor Ford.
Arms Given to the Prisoners.
Reflections of the Prophet on Exposing Wickedness.
The Prisoners' Message to Friends in Nauvoo.
The Prophet's Dream of his Kirtland Farm.
Testimony of Joseph and Hyrum to the Book of Mormon.
Letter: Postscript.
Governor Ford Warned of the Conspiracy Against Prisoners' Lives.

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.

Pass for Willard Richards.
Letter: Joseph Smith to O. H. Browning—Engaging Browning as Legal Counsel.
The Guard's False Alarm over the Nauvoo Legion.
Markham Forced out of Carthage.
Anxiety of the Jailor.
Wine for the Guard.
The Assault on the Jail.
The Prisoners' Defense.
Death of Hyrum Smith.
The "Handsome Fight" of Joseph Smith and John Taylor.
Taylor Wounded and Helpless.
Two Minutes in Jail.
First Message to Nauvoo.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

GOVERNOR
FORD
IN
NAUVOO—NEWS
OF
THE

MARTYRDOM MESSAGE TO NAUVOO—ARRIVAL OF THE
BODIES—SORROWFUL SCENES—THE BURIAL.

Governor Ford in Nauvoo.
Military Display.

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Departure of the Governor from the Danger Zone.
The Start from Nauvoo with the Bodies of the Martyrs.
The Address of Dr. Richards et al..
Preparation of the Bodies for Burial.
Lying in State.
The Real Burial.
Official Statement of the Martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch.

INTRODUCTION.

I. The Time Period.

The time-period covered in this sixth volume of the HISTORY OF THE CHURCH is less than one year. Nine months
and twenty-eight days, to be exact; or from the 1st of September, 1843, to the 29th of June, 1844. Events within this
period are therefore given in elaborate detail. The general reader and the student of our history will find in this volume a
larger collection of documents, official and otherwise, covering this period, than will be found elsewhere.

This volume also closes the first Period of our Church History, the period marked off by two events: (1) the birth of the
Prophet Joseph Smith; and (2) his martyrdom and that of his brother Hyrum, at Carthage, Illinois.

The Journal History of the Prophet, that great source of historical knowledge concerning the development of the New
Dispensation, closes with his entry of the 22nd of June, 1844. After that, for our knowledge of the remaining events of
the Prophet's life, we are dependent upon collections of data by the Church historians from public and private sources,
of which collections there are two: the first extends from the 22nd of June to the 29th of that month, and forms the
concluding chapters of this volume; the second begins also with the 22nd of June, and extends to the 8th of August,
1844; at which time the Twelve Apostles were sustained for the time being as the presiding council of the Church. This
second collection of data by the Church historians will open Volume VII of this History.

In the present volume we see the Prophet's brave struggle against the overwhelming odds of his foes—foes within the
Church, false brethren; and foes without the Church—the combination of political and sectarian enemies fixed in their
determination to kill him, destroy Nauvoo, and expel the Saints from Illinois: for all these things were included in the
program of the anti-Mormons of Illinois, even before the death of the Prophet was encompassed. Three score and
seven years now give perspective to the stirring events in which the really great drama was enacted; and from that
vantage ground of perspective said events may be reviewed to the enlightenment of those who seek to know the truth,
and the injustice of the things enacted in Illinois during the closing months of the Prophet Joseph's earthly career.

II. Why the Latter-day Saints were Welcomed to Illinois.

On the one hand, in the above mentioned struggle, was a people who but a few years before had been welcomed into
Illinois as exiles from a neighboring state, the victims of a cruel and ignorant intolerance. They were welcomed, in part,
because of the injustice to which they had been subjected in a neighboring state, and because their physical sufferings,
arising from want of shelter and food in an inclement season of the year to which they were exposed, was such as to
move adamantine hearts to pity. Also they were welcomed because, as pointed out in the Introduction to Volume IV of
this HISTORY, the state of Illinois needed augmentation of her population by just such a people as the Latter-day
Saints were—industrious, frugal, skilled mechanics, successful farmers, experienced men of affairs, men capable of
trade and commerce, enterprising and with a larger proportion of educated men and women among them than was to
be found among the people of western Illinois in those days. I do not here employ the language of adulation on the one
hand, nor seek to make invidious distinctions upon the other. Either would be vain, since the well-known and accepted
facts of history would disprove the declarations made if not founded in truth. The fact is, however, that all that is claimed
above for the Missouri exiled Latter-day Saints is true and well-attested by their achievements in settling Nauvoo, which
in four years rose from a ware-house or two and a few half tumbledown shacks on the banks of the river, and called
"Commerce," to the dignity of being the first city in Illinois in population and commercial enterprise, and also gave
promise of developing into a manufacturing center of great importance. This last item was evidenced in the fact that the
founder of Nauvoo, President Joseph Smith, and the Nauvoo city council appreciated the possibilities in the water
power of the Lower Des Moines Rapids in the Mississippi, at the head of which the city was located. Reference to his
journal entry for the 23rd of September (this volume, p. 80) will witness that he suggested that a petition be sent to the
national Congress for the construction of a canal around the rapids to overcome the obstruction for the free passage of
river craft, which the rapids prevented during the low water period of each year, and thus enhance the value of the great
stream to the inland commerce of the west.[1] Reference again to President Smith's journal entry for the 8th of
December, 1843 (this volume, p. 103) will disclose the fact that he gave instruction in the forenoon to his clerk to draw
a plan for a dam in the Mississippi; and that in the afternoon of the same day the city council met and passed an

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ordinance authorizing Joseph Smith to "erect a dam of suitable height to propel mills and machinery from any point
within the limits of said city, and below the Nauvoo House;" also in connection with this dam to construct a "harbor or
basin for steamboats and other craft;" and to construct docks, wharfs and landings," the wharfage fees to be "regulated
by ordinance of said city (this volume p. 106).

III. Nauvoo as a Possible Manufacturing Center.

What further contributed to the promise that Nauvoo would be a great manufacturing center as well as the center of an
immense agricultural region with a splendid commercial outlet, was the fact that artisans and tradesmen of the very first
order in skill, were rapidly gathering into the city, not only from the New England and other Eastern states of our own
country, but also from the British Isles. It was inevitable if let alone that Nauvoo would become the greatest
manufacturing center of Illinois, and among the first of such cities in the United States. The Prophet did not live to see
even a commencement made upon these large enterprises he had conceived, but subsequently his zealous followers
organized a company to carry them to a successful conclusion under the title of "The Nauvoo Water Power
Company,"[2] which began the construction of the dam on the 29th of April, 1845; but which had to be abandoned
because of the hostilities that soon after increased and continued until they culminated in the expulsion of the Latter-day
Saints from Illinois.[3]

In addition to these measures, manufacturing and agricultural associations were incorporated; also the "Nauvoo House
Associations" for the erection of a hotel, ambitious to be known as the finest hostelry in the Upper Mississippi country.
One of the agricultural associations, known as the "Big Field Corporation," held six sections, or three thousand eight
hundred and forty acres of land east of Nauvoo; and the year following the Prophet's death the company harvested
about thirty thousand bushels of corn, nearly the same amount of wheat, besides an "abundance of oats, barley,
buckwheat, potatoes and other vegetables."[4]

IV. Educational Measures at Nauvoo.

And not only in material things was the superior character of Nauvoo's founders and builders proclaimed; but equally
broad and comprehensive were their preparations for an educational system. By their city charter they were
empowered to establish an institution of learning within the limits of the city for the teaching of the arts and sciences and
learned professions, to be called the "University of the City of Nauvoo;" also a common school system for the city, all of
which was in course of development even in the early years of Nauvoo's existence. And in addition to these direct
educational institutions of common schools and projected university, literary and dramatic associations were organized,
as also choral and band organizations for the cultivation of musical talents and to promote the pleasure and refinement of
society; while the religious zeal of the community expressed itself in the rapidly rising walls of the splendid temple—soon
to be the most solid and pretentious building in the state; and in the tireless missionary enterprise of the dominant
Church.

V. Jealousy of Nauvoo's Promising Greatness.

Nothing was lacking, then, in the promises of constant and rapid growth, of prosperity and future greatness of Nauvoo.
Small wonder if the narrow bigotry and jealousy of small-souled men of the time and vicinity—especially those who
were inhabitants of rival towns, particularly those of Warsaw and Carthage—were envious of Nauvoo's prosperity and
promise of future greatness. Hitherto this element of jealousy of Nauvoo's prosperity and promise of future greatness
has not been accorded the importance due to it as a contributing cause to the warfare made upon that city and the
Saints. Little doubt, however, can be entertained, now attention has been called to it, but what as a contributing cause
jealousy of Nauvoo stood next to religious prejudice and political distrust and hatred.

A correspondent from Fair Haven, Connecticut, to a gentleman in Nauvoo, set forth this matter most convincingly. An
excerpt of the letter was published in the Nauvoo Neighbor of August 7th, 1844. It is proper to say that the writer was
not a member of the Mormon Church; "but," as the editor of the Neighbor describes him, "a citizen of Connecticut,
loving law and liberty and life;" and now the paragraph dealing with the point under discussion:

"It is now known here that the lazy speculators of Warsaw, and the still lazier office drones at Carthage,
cared nothing for Joseph Smith personally, or for his tenets either; but the prosperity of Nauvoo increasing
as it did, beyond any former parallel, even in the western world, excited in their bosoms envy, hatred and
all ungodliness. This is the true secret of all their barbarous movements against Mormonism—and they
supposed by destroying the Smiths they should extinguish their religion, disperse the Mormons—
depopulating and desolating Nauvoo."

Also a correspondent to the State Register published at Springfield, Illinois, speaking of Thomas C. Sharp, editor of
the Warsaw Signal and the anti-Mormon disturbances in Hancock county said:

"He [Sharp] is also described as having made himself the 'organ of a gang of town lot speculators at
Warsaw,' who are afraid that Nauvoo is about to kill off their town and render speculation abortive."[5]

Mr. Backenstos in January, 1845, when the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter was under discussion in the Illinois

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