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Nauvoo Legion Officers, February–November 1841

The charter for the city of , Illinois, permitted the establishment of the as a unit of the state militia. The city council passed an ordinance officially organizing the Nauvoo Legion on 3 February 1841. The first meeting of the legion was held on 4 February, when JS, , , and other commissioned officers of the Illinois state militia elected the general officers of the legion. Other positions were filled during the ensuing months.
The Nauvoo Legion comprised two brigades, or cohorts, each headed by a brigadier general. The first cohort consisted of cavalry, and the second consisted of infantry and artillery troops. Officers retained their rank unless terminated by resignation, death, or being cashiered out of the Nauvoo Legion.
The following chart identifies the staffs of the lieutenant general, major general, and brigadier generals of the Nauvoo Legion, and the men who held the various offices from the first meeting of the legion on 4 February 1841 through 30 November 1841. If a Nauvoo Legion officer began service after 4 February or ended service before 30 November, that change is noted in parentheses. Positions, dates of rank, and commission dates are taken from returns to the adjutant general of the state and records of the Illinois state militia.
4 February–30 November 1841
Lieutenant General’s Staff
Lieutenant general
Joseph Smith
 
Inspector general
(began service 5 July 1841)
 
Aides-de-camp
(served until death, 27 Aug. 1841)
(began service 6 Apr. 1841)
(began service 6 Apr. 1841)
 
Judge advocate
(began service 3 July 1841; ended service before 6 Nov. 1841)
(began service 6 Nov 1841)
 
Drill officer
 
Guards
 
Herald and armor bearer
(began service 9 Sept. 1841)
 
Major General’s Staff
Major general
 
Adjutant general
Aides-de-camp
(began service 1 May 1841)
(began service 13 Nov. 1841)
 
Surgeon general
 
Cornet
 
Quartermaster general
(ended service before 1 May 1841)
(began service 1 May 1841)
 
Paymaster general
 
Commissary general
 
Chaplain
 
Quartermaster sergeant
(served until death, 20 Apr. 1841)
(began service 1 May 1841)
 
Sergeant major
 
Chief musician
 
Musicians
 
Herald and armor bearer
Samuel Hicks (began service 6 Apr. 1841)
 
First Cohort General Staff
Brigadier general
 
Aide-de-camp
(began service 9 Mar. 1841)
 
Surgeon
 
Assistant chaplains
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
 
Second Cohort General Staff
Brigadier general
(served until death, 7 Aug. 1841)
(began service 4 Sept. 1841)
 
Aides-de-camp
(began service 20 Feb. 1841)
(began service 1 May 1841)
 
Surgeon
James Kelly (ended service before 13 Nov. 1841)
(began service 13 Nov. 1841)
 
Assistant chaplains
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service July 1841)
(began service 3 July 1841)
(began service 10 Aug. 1841)
  1. 1

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841. Formally commissioned on 10 March 1841. (Commission from Thomas Carlin, 10 Mar. 1841.)  

  2. 2

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 Oct. 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  3. 3

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  4. 4

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  5. 5

    “Death of Col. Robert B. Thompson,” Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1841, 2:519–520.  

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  6. 6

    “The First List of the Officers of the Nauvoo Legion, as Made Out by John C. Bennett. M.Gl,” Nauvoo Legion Files, CHL. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841. (Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.)  

    Nauvoo Legion Records, 1841–1845. CHL. MS 3430.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  7. 7

    “The First List of the Officers of the Nauvoo Legion, as Made Out by John C. Bennett. M.Gl,” Nauvoo Legion Files, CHL. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841. (Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.)  

    Nauvoo Legion Records, 1841–1845. CHL. MS 3430.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  8. 8

    Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 3 July 1841.  

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  9. 9

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 14 December 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  10. 10

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841. Formally commissioned on 31 March 1841. (Commission, Thomas Carlin to Albert P. Rockwood, 31 Mar. 1841, Albert P. Rockwood, Papers, CHL.)  

    Rockwood, Albert P. Papers, 1832–1877. CHL. MS 14888.

  11. 11

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  12. 12

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  13. 13

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  14. 14

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  15. 15

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  16. 16

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  17. 17

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  18. 18

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  19. 19

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  20. 20

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  21. 21

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  22. 22

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  23. 23

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841. Formally commissioned on 31 March 1841. (Commission, Thomas Carlin to Vinson Knight, 31 Mar. 1841, Knight and Belnap Family, Papers, CHL.)  

    Knight and Belnap Family Papers, 1836–1908. CHL. MS 781.

  24. 24

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 14 December 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  25. 25

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  26. 26

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  27. 27

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 14 June 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 15 June 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  28. 28

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 14 December 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  29. 29

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  30. 30

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  31. 31

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  32. 32

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 14 June 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  33. 33

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 14 June 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 15 June 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  34. 34

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  35. 35

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  36. 36

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  37. 37

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  38. 38

    “Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 1 May 1841, 2:406.  

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  39. 39

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 14 June 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  40. 40

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  41. 41

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  42. 42

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  43. 43

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  44. 44

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  45. 45

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  46. 46

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 23 Mar. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  47. 47

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  48. 48

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  49. 49

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  50. 50

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 41, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  51. 51

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  52. 52

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  53. 53

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  54. 54

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  55. 55

    “Death of General Don Carlos Smith,” Times and Seasons, 16 Aug. 1841, 2:503–504.  

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  56. 56

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Commission, Thomas Carlin to Charles C. Rich, 14 Dec. 1841, Charles C. Rich Collection, CHL. Formally commissioned on 14 December 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Rich, Charles C. Collection, 1832–1908. CHL. MS 889.

  57. 57

    Nauvoo Legion Minute Book, 20 Feb. 1841, 6.  

    Nauvoo Legion Minute Book, 1843–1844. Nauvoo Legion, Records, 1841–1845. CHL. MS 3430, fd. 1.

  58. 58

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 14 June 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 40, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 15 June 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  59. 59

    Minutes, 4 Feb. 1841.  

  60. 60

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  61. 61

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 13 Dec. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 43, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 14 December 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  62. 62

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  63. 63

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  64. 64

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  65. 65

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 Oct.ober 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  66. 66

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  67. 67

    Returns for Commission in the Nauvoo Legion, 10 Aug. 1841, Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852, Illinois State Archives, Springfield; Nauvoo Legion, Hancock Co., Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855, vol. 17, p. 42, Illinois State Archives, Springfield. Formally commissioned on 16 October 1841.  

    Illinois Governor’s Correspondence, 1816–1852. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Illinois State Militia Commission Records, 1834–1855. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

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