History, 1838–1856, volume F-1 [1 May 1844–8 August 1844]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 87
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<​June 11​> hands, thinking that he may act with more efficiency than the Mail.
I am &c,
<​-[See margin.]-​>
<​Our communications by mail appear to be cut off, as no part of our extensive correspondence has come to hand by the U. S. Mail for the last three weeks, and seems to be aware of it. I instructed to [HC 6:450] answer ’s letter, and then rode out with .​>
<​I received the following letter:— ​>
<​“, Ill. June 6th, 1844. Dear Sir;— I have just received information that is making an effort to procure from the Grand Jury for the now in session at this place, an indictment against the members of your Municipal Court for exercising their legal and constitutional rights, and discharging their sworn duty in acting in the matter of ’s petition for Habeas Corpus. I could hardly have supposed that he would succeed had I not been informed that there is no doubt that he will accomplish his object. I give you this information that you may be able to act as circumstances <​may​> require. has not had a hearing, and will not until tomorrow morning Yours truly, . Gen. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo.”​>
Elder<​s &​> preached at my in the evening. Cloudy and cool day. The of the Steamer Osprey called this forenoon at the to see me; I rode with him to his boat, which was at the upper landing. When I came up, called the passengers to come and see the meanest man in the world; Mr. Eaton stopped him, and told the passengers that it was who was the meanest man in the world. Rollison attempted to draw a pistol, but Eaton silenced him, and kept them all down.
reported that last evening while on the hill, just before the police arrived, said, while speaking of the printing press of the “Nauvoo Expositor,” if they lay their hands upon it or break it, they may date their downfall from that very hour; and in ten days there will not be a Mormon left in . What they do, they may expect the same in return. Addison Everett also heard him. [HC 6:451]
Jason R. Luce reported that said, while the press was burning, that before three weeks the would be strung to the ground, and he would help to do it; and Tallman Rolf[e] said, the would be strung within ten days. Moses Leonard also heard him, Joshua Miller being also present.
Bryant, (Merchant of ) said before he would see such things he would wade to his knees in blood.
It is reported that runners have gone out in all directions to try to get up a mob, and the mobbers are selling their houses in , and disposing of their property. [HC 6:452]
12 June 1844 • Wednesday
<​12​> Wednesday 12. At 10 A. M., in my . At half past one I was arrested by on the following writ:—
“State of Illinois,) ss.
.)
“The people of the State of to all Constables, Sheriffs, and Coroners of said State greeting:
“Whereas complaint hath been made before me, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of aforesaid, upon the oath of of said County, that Joseph Smith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and , of said , did on the 10th. day of June instant commit a riot, at and within the aforesaid, wherein they with force and violence broke into the Printing office of the Nauvoo Expositor, and unlawfully, and with force burned and destroyed the printing press, type, and fixtures of the same, being the property of , , , , , , and .
“These are therefore to command you forthwith to apprehend the said Joseph Smith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and , and bring them before me [p. 87]
June 11 hands, thinking that he may act with more efficiency than the Mail.
I am &c,
-[See margin.]-
Our communications by mail appear to be cut off, as no part of our extensive correspondence has come to hand by the U. S. Mail for the last three weeks, and seems to be aware of it. I instructed to [HC 6:450] answer ’s letter, and then rode out with .
I received the following letter:—
, Ill. June 6th, 1844. Dear Sir;— I have just received information that is making an effort to procure from the Grand Jury for the now in session at this place, an indictment against the members of your Municipal Court for exercising their legal and constitutional rights, and discharging their sworn duty in acting in the matter of ’s petition for Habeas Corpus. I could hardly have supposed that he would succeed had I not been informed that there is no doubt that he will accomplish his object. I give you this information that you may be able to act as circumstances may require. has not had a hearing, and will not until tomorrow morning Yours truly, . Gen. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo.”
Elders & preached at my in the evening. Cloudy and cool day. The of the Steamer Osprey called this forenoon at the to see me; I rode with him to his boat, which was at the upper landing. When I came up, called the passengers to come and see the meanest man in the world; Mr. Eaton stopped him, and told the passengers that it was who was the meanest man in the world. Rollison attempted to draw a pistol, but Eaton silenced him, and kept them all down.
reported that last evening while on the hill, just before the police arrived, said, while speaking of the printing press of the “Nauvoo Expositor,” if they lay their hands upon it or break it, they may date their downfall from that very hour; and in ten days there will not be a Mormon left in . What they do, they may expect the same in return. Addison Everett also heard him. [HC 6:451]
Jason R. Luce reported that said, while the press was burning, that before three weeks the would be strung to the ground, and he would help to do it; and Tallman Rolfe said, the would be strung within ten days. Moses Leonard also heard him, Joshua Miller being also present.
Bryant, (Merchant of ) said before he would see such things he would wade to his knees in blood.
It is reported that runners have gone out in all directions to try to get up a mob, and the mobbers are selling their houses in , and disposing of their property. [HC 6:452]
12 June 1844 • Wednesday
12 Wednesday 12. At 10 A. M., in my . At half past one I was arrested by on the following writ:—
“State of Illinois,) ss.
.)
“The people of the State of to all Constables, Sheriffs, and Coroners of said State greeting:
“Whereas complaint hath been made before me, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of aforesaid, upon the oath of of said County, that Joseph Smith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and , of said , did on the 10th. day of June instant commit a riot, at and within the aforesaid, wherein they with force and violence broke into the Printing office of the Nauvoo Expositor, and unlawfully, and with force burned and destroyed the printing press, type, and fixtures of the same, being the property of , , , , , , and .
“These are therefore to command you forthwith to apprehend the said Joseph Smith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and , and bring them before me [p. 87]
Page 87