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Introduction to United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A, and United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B Docket Entry, Indictment, 27 October 1843 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa December 1843 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, March 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa June 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, Warrant, Forfeited Recognizance, and Deposition, circa October 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa December 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 20 February 1845 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 1 May 1845 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, July 1845 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa March 1846 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa June 1846 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, August 1846 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 21 January 1847 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 26 April 1847 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 8 September 1847 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa March 1848 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, May 1848 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, November 1848 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 29 January 1849 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, circa June 1849 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 10 September 1849 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 9 February 1850 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 10 May 1850 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, September 1850 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 17 February 1851 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 19 April 1851 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 28 October 1851 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 13 February 1852 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 4 May 1852 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 14 October 1852 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 18 February 1853 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 6 June 1853 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 2 November 1853 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 20 February 1854 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 16 May 1854 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 29 September 1854 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 3 February 1855 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 17 May 1855 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 29 October 1855 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 8 February 1856 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 14 May 1856 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 5 November 1856 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 9 February 1857 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 17 April 1857 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 20 October 1857 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 10 February 1858 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 5 June 1858 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, 28 October 1858 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Docket Entry, Nolle Prosequi, 4 February–6 May 1859 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Petition, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844, Copy [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Summons, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Minutes, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Subpoena, 18 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Note, between 16 and 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Minutes, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Execution, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Bill of Costs, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Docket Entry, 18–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A] Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith] Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B] Habeas Corpus, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B] Motion, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B] Motion, 30 May 1844, Copy [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B] Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]

Introduction to United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A, and United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B

Page

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith
United States Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, 6 May 1859
1

In their efforts to apprehend Jeremiah Smith, federal agents coordinated with the U.S. District Court for Des Moines County, First Judicial District of Iowa Territory; Justice of the Peace William Bennum in Hancock County, Illinois; and the U.S. District Court for the District of Illinois. These three courts produced documents in this case, although each did so under a federal statute on behalf of the U.S. Criminal Court. (An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States [24 Sept. 1789], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 66–67, sec. 33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A
Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, Municipal Court, 30 May 1844
 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B
Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, Municipal Court, 30 May 1844
 
Historical Introduction
In May 1844, the municipal court of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, Illinois—over which JS presided as chief justice—granted two writs of
habeas corpus

“Have the body”; a written order from a court of competent jurisdiction commanding anyone having a person in custody to produce such person at a certain time and place and to state the reasons why he or she is being held in custody. The court will determine...

View Glossary
to
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
, a miller from Wapello County, Iowa Territory, who had been indicted for defrauding the federal government.
2

Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; Habeas Corpus, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]. JS and Jeremiah Smith apparently were not related. (JS, Journal, 29 May 1844.)


The resulting proceedings demonstrated JS’s commitment to making the municipal court’s habeas corpus provisions available to all who believed that they had been unlawfully detained, whether they were being held by federal, state, or city authorities.
3

See “The Nauvoo Municipal Court and the Writ of Habeas Corpus.”


 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith
Frustrated by the reluctance of
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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government officials to pay him for building two gristmills for the Sauk and Meskwaki nations (designated by Euro-Americans as the Sac and Fox Indians),
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
visited
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

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in March 1843 to lobby for his claim. While there, Smith learned that the government had appropriated $4,000 for another individual named Jeremiah Smith, a younger man also from
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
. On 28 March, the elder Jeremiah Smith allegedly claimed the money from the United States Treasury for himself.
4

James Eakin, Washington DC, to Jeremiah Smith Jr., Burlington, Iowa Territory, 11 May 1843, Second Auditor’s Letterbooks, 1817–1886, vol. 31, pp. 62–63, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,702; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to John Deshler, Bloomington, Iowa Territory, 18 July 1843, Letters Sent by the Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 67–68, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. The precise relationship between the two Jeremiah Smiths is unknown, although the younger Smith indicated that there was “a distant connexion.” Efforts were sometimes made to differentiate the men by attaching the suffixes “Sr.” and “Jr.” to their names, which is reflected here in some of the municipal court documents referring to Jeremiah Smith as Jeremiah Smith Sr. (Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 352–353, 362–368.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

Following this, the elder Jeremiah Smith returned to the West and visited
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
for “several days” in summer 1843 before continuing on to Iowa.
5

Jeremiah Smith Sr., “For the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 1 May 1844, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

Meanwhile, the younger Jeremiah Smith began inquiring regarding the status of the appropriation, leading Charles B. Penrose, the solicitor of the Treasury Department, to initiate efforts to prosecute the elder
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
for fraud.
6

Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Allison R. Parris, 11 July 1843, Letters Sent by the Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 64–65, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

A federal grand jury for the United States Criminal Court of the District of Columbia in
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

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indicted the elder Jeremiah Smith during its October 1843 term “for obtaining money . . . under false pretence.”
7

Docket Entry, Indictment, 27 Oct. 1843 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]. Smith was evidently charged with violating an 1823 federal statute that made it a felony to “falsely make, alter, forge, or counterfeit” any “receipt, or other writing, for the purpose of obtaining or receiving . . . from the United States, or any of their officers or agents, any sum or sums of money.” Conviction would result in imprisonment for between one and ten years, or a combination of up to five years imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000. (An Act for the Punishment of Frauds Committed on the Government of the United States [3 Mar. 1823], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 1917–1918, sec. 1.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

Penrose directed federal law enforcement agents to work with Judge Charles Mason of the United States District Court for Des Moines County, First Judicial District of Iowa Territory, to secure Smith’s arrest and then convey him to Washington for trial.
8

Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Isaac Leffler, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 27 Jan. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 288–289, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

Mason cooperated by issuing a warrant for Smith, but after the fugitive was arrested and brought before the judge on 17 February 1844, Mason
discharged

“The act by which a person in confinement under some legal process, or held on an accusation of some crime or misdemeanor, is set at liberty.”

View Glossary
him due to the federal prosecutor’s failure “to establish the identity of Mr. Smith as the Jeremiah Smith named in the indictment.”
9

Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; “Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 17 Feb. 1844, [2]; “Release from Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser, 24 Feb. 1844, [2], italics in original.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

This discharge did not function as an
acquittal

In contracts: a release or discharge from an obligation or engagement. In criminal practice: the absolution of a defendant.

View Glossary
, meaning the agents could persist in their efforts to detain Smith without triggering the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
Constitution’s double jeopardy clause. Amid subsequent efforts to recapture Smith, he fled the area.
10

“Maj. Smith Senr.,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 2 Mar. 1844, [2]; Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 374–375.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

On 16 April 1844, Penrose commissioned
Thomas B. Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

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, a former
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
marshal from
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
, “to proceed against him [
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
] whenever he is found.” Penrose indicated that if Smith crossed state lines, Johnson should follow a federal statute that permitted him to obtain a warrant from a federal or state judge in the state or territory where Smith was found. Following the arrest, the judge would issue an order that authorized Smith’s conveyance to the nation’s capital for trial. Johnson, believing Smith had fled to
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

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, headed south to
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
.
11

Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Thomas B. Johnson, Iowa Territory, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 384–385; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to William M. McPherson, St. Louis, MO, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 381–383, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. Penrose cited section 33 of the 1789 federal judiciary act, which outlined how an officer should work with a federal or state judge to secure a fugitive. (An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States [24 Sept. 1789], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 66–67, sec. 33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
had actually gone east to
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, arriving by mid-April 1844 and lodging at the
Nauvoo Mansion

Large, two-story, Greek Revival frame structure located on northeast corner of Water and Main streets. Built to meet JS’s immediate need for larger home that could also serve as hotel to accommodate his numerous guests. JS relocated family from old house ...

More Info
.
12

“Sister Emma Smith,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 25 Apr. 1844, [2]; Jeremiah Smith Sr., “For the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 1 May 1844, [2]; JS, Journal, 20 Apr. 1844.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

At some point, he confided to JS that he expected “to be arrestd by the U.S. Marshal for getting money which was his due,” presumably referring to the money that he believed the government owed him for building the gristmills.
13

JS, Journal, 25 Apr. 1844; Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 362–368.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

In order to challenge the impending arrest, Smith decided to seek a writ of habeas corpus from the Nauvoo Municipal Court.
14

JS, Journal, 6 May 1844; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, [Quincy, IL], 16 [17] Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, [Nauvoo, IL], 24 Aug. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, [Quincy, IL], 27 Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, [Nauvoo, IL], 7 Sept. 1842, in JS, Journal, Copied Correspondence, 30 June–17 August 1842.


With the assistance of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
attorney
George Stiles

18 July 1816–Sept. 1885. Attorney, judge, politician. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of John Stiles and Persis Cole. Moved to Le Ray, Jefferson Co., by 1820. Moved to Pamela, Jefferson Co., by 1830. Married first Julian Mackemer, 7 Nov. 1841...

View Full Bio
,
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
prepared a petition for habeas corpus to present to the municipal court, leaving a blank for the name of the arresting officer. The petition claimed that Smith’s detention was unlawful and that an authorized court had already investigated the charges and “honorably acquitted” him, although Judge Mason’s February 1844 discharge did not, in fact, constitute an acquittal. The petition requested the municipal court to investigate not only Smith’s detention but also the merits of the case. As mayor of the city and therefore chief justice of the municipal court, JS certified the petition, dating it 20 April.
15

Petition, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].


Five days later, JS instructed
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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, clerk of the municipal court, “to make out a writ of Habeus Copus” for Smith. Richards complied, leaving blank spaces for the name of the arresting officer and the date.
16

JS, Journal, 25 Apr. 1844; Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].


However, no marshal appeared until mid-May, after
Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

View Full Bio
learned that
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
was in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
rather than
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

More Info
. Following Penrose’s instructions, on 13 May Johnson worked with
Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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, Illinois, justice of the peace William Bennum of Appanoose, Illinois, which was northeast of Nauvoo, to issue a warrant for Smith. Bennum gave it to Constable James McCance, also of Appanoose, to serve.
17

Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; “Whig Convention,” Warsaw (IL) Signal, 29 June 1848, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

After learning of the warrant, Smith went into hiding.
18

Clayton, Journal, 14 May 1844.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

On 16 May, McCance located and arrested
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
.
19

McCance noted the date of the arrest in his return notation on the warrant. (Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


Smith completed his previously drafted habeas corpus petition by filling the blank with McCance’s name and revising the date. He then filed the petition with the municipal court. Likewise,
Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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, acting as clerk of the court, issued the writ of habeas corpus he had previously drafted, filling in the blanks. The writ instructed
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
marshal
John P. Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

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to command McCance to bring Smith before the court and provide the grounds upon which he held him in custody. McCance complied with Greene’s command, bringing Smith before the municipal court the same day and writing in his return notation on the writ that he detained Smith by virtue of Bennum’s warrant.
20

Petition, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]. Greene served the writ of habeas corpus by leaving a copy with McCance, who wrote his return on the copy. (Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; Habeas Corpus, Copy, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].)


Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

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, as the complainant for Bennum’s warrant, was present along with his attorney
Chauncey L. Higbee

7 Sept. 1821–7 Dec. 1884. Lawyer, banker, politician, judge. Born in Tate Township, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Lived in Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832...

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, who motioned for an adjournment, requesting time to obtain material witnesses. The adjournment was granted.
21

Minutes, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; see also Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].


JS and five associate justices reconvened midmorning on 30 May 1844.
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
was represented by
Stiles

18 July 1816–Sept. 1885. Attorney, judge, politician. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of John Stiles and Persis Cole. Moved to Le Ray, Jefferson Co., by 1820. Moved to Pamela, Jefferson Co., by 1830. Married first Julian Mackemer, 7 Nov. 1841...

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as well as
Henry T. Hugins

10 Mar. 1814–19 Nov. 1861. Lawyer. Born in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Henry Hugins and Sarah Maria Hunt. Graduated from Middlebury College, 1834, and from Yale College, 1835. Practiced law in New Haven, 1836–1841. Married Elizabeth A. Lynde...

View Full Bio
, a
Burlington

Located in southeastern Iowa on west bank of Mississippi River. Site selected for construction of fort, 1805. Area settled, ca. 1833, by Europeans. Laid out, 1834. Incorporated 1837. Designated capital of Wisconsin Territory, 1837; capital of Iowa Territory...

More Info
, Iowa Territory, lawyer. The court called on
Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

View Full Bio
to defend his complaint against Smith.
22

Minutes, 30 May 1844 [U.S v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]. Under Illinois law, the judge or court reviewing a prisoner’s detention focused the inquiry on the detaining officer’s return notation, which summarized the grounds of the detention. The officer was normally present in court to make the return, and the court directed questions to the officer. Although the Nauvoo Municipal Court also followed this process, the court additionally sought to determine whether the initial charges were motivated “through private pique, malicious intent, religious or other persecution, falsehood, or misrepresentation.” This regularly involved questioning the original complainant, if he or she were willing to appear in court, and assessing him or her the court costs if the prisoner was discharged. (An Act Regulating the Proceeding on Writs of Habeas Corpus [22 Jan. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois [1839], pp. 323–324, sec. 3; “Habeas Corpus,” in Bouvier, Law Dictionary, 1:618–620; Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 8 Aug. 1842, 98; see also Docket Entry, 4–ca. 26 Apr. 1843 [State of Illinois v. J. Hoopes and L. Hoopes on Habeas Corpus]; and Docket Entry, 2–ca. 3 Apr. 1844 [State of Illinois v. Greene et al. on Habeas Corpus].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

Bouvier, John. A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America, and of the Several States of the American Union; With References to the Civil and Other Systems of Foreign Law. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1843.

Johnson declined to do so, arguing that the municipal court lacked habeas corpus jurisdiction over federal prisoners. In response, JS defended the municipal court’s habeas corpus powers and implied that Johnson’s language was an affront to
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
’s chartered rights. JS then discharged Jeremiah Smith on the grounds that Johnson “refused to prosecute his claim.” Johnson was also assessed the costs of the suit.
23

Docket Entry, 18–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].


 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B
Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

View Full Bio
had not come to Illinois alone but was joined by
Luther Hickok

Ca. 1812–26 Apr. 1850. Physician. Born in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Henry Pell Hickok and Hannah Benjamin. Graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Moved to Burlington, Des Moines ...

View Full Bio
, an
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
physician who had been deputized with Johnson to pursue
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
.
24

Isaac Leffler, Statement, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 19 Feb. 1846, Letters Received from U.S. Attorneys, Marshals, and Clerks of Court, 1838–1849, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; History of Des Moines County, Iowa, 480; “Died,” Burlington (IA) Hawk-Eye, 2 May 1850, [3].


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

The History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, &c., a Biographical Directory of Citizens . . . Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1879.

Burlington Hawk-Eye. Burlington, IA. 1845–1851?.

On 30 May, Johnson acknowledged to the municipal court justices that, although he had claimed that he needed an adjournment in order to send for witnesses, in reality he sought the delay to give Hickok time to obtain another warrant for Smith.
25

Docket Entry, 18–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].


On 21 May, Hickok had appeared before federal judge
Nathaniel Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

View Full Bio
in
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

More Info
, Illinois, and presented to him a certified copy of the indictment. Pope issued a warrant for Smith to
William Prentiss

1801–23 Dec. 1852. Farmer, U.S. marshal. Born in Kentucky. Moved to Washington DC. Married first Maria Stribling Brown, 18 June 1829, in Washington DC. Wife died, 13 Mar. 1831, in Washington DC. Married second Sarah Ann. Moved to New York, by 1833; to New...

View Full Bio
, the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
marshal for
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
. On 25 May, Prentiss authorized Hickok to serve the warrant.
26

Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].


Hickok arrived in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
four days later and attempted to arrest Smith on 29 May, although he was unable to because Smith was still in the custody of the municipal court.
27

JS, Journal, 29 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].


Smith’s attorneys prepared a petition for a new writ of habeas corpus but did not submit it to the court until 30 May, presumably after the court discharged him on the first writ.
28

Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].


This second petition for habeas corpus argued that
Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

View Full Bio
’s warrant was invalid, that
Hickok

Ca. 1812–26 Apr. 1850. Physician. Born in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Henry Pell Hickok and Hannah Benjamin. Graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Moved to Burlington, Des Moines ...

View Full Bio
was not authorized to serve it, and that the initial charge was motivated by “private pique malice & corruption.”
29

Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].


In addition, the petition claimed that
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
had “been twice acquitted & discharged” by authorized courts, referencing the February proceedings before the
Iowa

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
federal district court and the municipal court’s hearing held earlier on 30 May.
30

Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].


Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
, as clerk of the court, issued a printed writ of habeas corpus and filled in the information for Smith.
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
city marshal
Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

View Full Bio
then served a copy of the writ on Hickok in the courtroom. Hickok apparently declined to write a return notation explaining the grounds upon which he held Smith in custody, which was required by Nauvoo law, but the court permitted him to report this information orally.
31

The copy given to Hickok is apparently not extant, but Richards did not mention in the docket entry that Hickok wrote a return on it, as Richards usually did. (Habeas Corpus, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Ordinance, 14 Nov. 1842; see also Docket Entry, 10–ca. 17 Oct. 1843 [State of Illinois v. Drown on Habeas Corpus]; and Docket Entry, 2–ca. 3 Apr. 1844 [State of Illinois v. Greene et al. on Habeas Corpus].)


Around midday on 30 May 1844, the court, with JS presiding, convened and called on
Hickok

Ca. 1812–26 Apr. 1850. Physician. Born in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Henry Pell Hickok and Hannah Benjamin. Graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Moved to Burlington, Des Moines ...

View Full Bio
to defend his claim on
Jeremiah Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
.
Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

View Full Bio
was also present and participated in the subsequent discussion over whether the hearing should focus on procedural issues regarding
Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

View Full Bio
’s warrant and Hickok’s authority to serve it or whether the court could hold a trial “on the merits of the [federal government’s] case” against Smith. The court adjourned for lunch at one o’clock and reconvened two hours later to hear arguments from
Hugins

10 Mar. 1814–19 Nov. 1861. Lawyer. Born in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Henry Hugins and Sarah Maria Hunt. Graduated from Middlebury College, 1834, and from Yale College, 1835. Practiced law in New Haven, 1836–1841. Married Elizabeth A. Lynde...

View Full Bio
and
Stiles

18 July 1816–Sept. 1885. Attorney, judge, politician. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of John Stiles and Persis Cole. Moved to Le Ray, Jefferson Co., by 1820. Moved to Pamela, Jefferson Co., by 1830. Married first Julian Mackemer, 7 Nov. 1841...

View Full Bio
as to why the court should discharge the prisoner. The attorneys also submitted to the court a certificate from the federal district court in
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
attesting that it had discharged Smith in February 1844. Based on the previous proceedings and the court’s understanding of double jeopardy, the municipal court discharged Smith from arrest.
32

Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].


 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith (continued)
Despite JS’s defense of the municipal court’s habeas corpus powers,
Johnson

24 Oct. 1807–7 Apr. 1860. U.S. marshal, mail agent, lawyer, farmer. Born in Grayson Co., Virginia. Son of John Johnson and Lydia. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1815. Moved to Indianapolis, ca. 1817. Married Mary Jane Gordon, 1 May 1838. Moved to Muscatine, Muscatine...

View Full Bio
and
Hickok

Ca. 1812–26 Apr. 1850. Physician. Born in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Henry Pell Hickok and Hannah Benjamin. Graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Moved to Burlington, Des Moines ...

View Full Bio
remained unconvinced that the court’s discharge of
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
disallowed
Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

View Full Bio
’s warrant or superseded their responsibility to deliver him to the judge. Johnson threatened to return to
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
with federal dragoons in order to take Smith.
33

JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Affidavit from Henry T. Hugins, 31 May 1844. Johnson also attempted, unsuccessfully, to have the justices of the Nauvoo Municipal Court indicted by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield. (Letter from Luther W. Hickok, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 17 June 1844.)


Hickok evidently took a less confrontational approach and persuaded JS to permit him to serve Pope’s warrant and convey Smith to
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

More Info
. Sometime after the second discharge on 30 May, JS had his clerk
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

View Full Bio
write a letter introducing Smith and
Hugins

10 Mar. 1814–19 Nov. 1861. Lawyer. Born in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Henry Hugins and Sarah Maria Hunt. Graduated from Middlebury College, 1834, and from Yale College, 1835. Practiced law in New Haven, 1836–1841. Married Elizabeth A. Lynde...

View Full Bio
to Pope.
34

Letter of Introduction to Nathaniel Pope for Jeremiah Smith Sr. and Henry T. Hugins, 30 May 1844.


Hickok also requested a copy of the municipal court’s records for the case, prompting
Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
to work into the night of 30–31 May preparing the docket entries for the two habeas corpus proceedings and certified copies of the records.
35

JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Richards, Journal, 30–31 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

Hickok

Ca. 1812–26 Apr. 1850. Physician. Born in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Henry Pell Hickok and Hannah Benjamin. Graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Moved to Burlington, Des Moines ...

View Full Bio
and
Smith

Ca. 1788–after 1860. Miller. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Rhoda Hedges, ca. 20 Feb. 1814. Moved to near Oquawka, Warren Co., Illinois, by 1828; built gristmill and sawmill, ca. 1828. Moved to Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory, ca. 1834. Licensed to establish...

View Full Bio
arrived in
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

More Info
by 6 June 1844.
Hugins

10 Mar. 1814–19 Nov. 1861. Lawyer. Born in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Henry Hugins and Sarah Maria Hunt. Graduated from Middlebury College, 1834, and from Yale College, 1835. Practiced law in New Haven, 1836–1841. Married Elizabeth A. Lynde...

View Full Bio
, the
Iowa

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
attorney who represented Smith in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, also made the journey, writing to JS that Smith expected to appear before
Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

View Full Bio
on 7 June.
36

Letter from Luther W. Hickok, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 6 June 1844.


However, it appears that the hearing was delayed until around 12 June. Although federal law empowered Pope to issue an order authorizing the immediate transport of Smith to
Washington

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

More Info
to await his trial—which is what Penrose, the U.S. Treasury solicitor, expected Pope to do—the judge instead ordered Smith to enter into a $5,000
recognizance

“An obligation of record . . . to do some act required by law,” such as “to keep the peace, to pay a debt, or the like.” Recognizance is “somewhat like an ordinary bond, the difference being that a bond is the creation of a fresh debt, or obligation de novo...

View Glossary
binding him to appear in the nation’s capital for the U.S. Criminal Court’s October 1844 term.
37

Robert J. Walker, Washington DC, 12 Mar. 1846, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 25, pp. 419–421, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. The date of the hearing before Pope is unknown, but Hickok wrote to Penrose on 12 June 1844 describing the outcome, suggesting that it occurred around that date. In addition, word of the hearing’s result did not reach Nauvoo until 17 June. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Luther W. Hickok, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 29 June 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Philip R. Fendall, Washington DC, 1 July 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456–457, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 17 June 1844; JS, Journal, 17 June 1844.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

For unknown reasons, Smith was not tried at that time, but his case remained on the criminal court’s docket until 1859, when it was dismissed.
38

Docket Entry, Warrant, Forfeited Recognizance, and Deposition, ca. Oct. 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Docket Entry, ca. Dec. 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Philip R. Fendall, Washington DC, 25 Oct. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22A, pp. 217–218; Seth Barton, Washington DC, to Robert J. Walker, Washington DC, 12 Mar. 1846, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 25, pp. 419–421, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Docket Entry, Nolle Prosequi, 4 Feb.–6 May 1859 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

 
Calendar of Documents
This calendar lists all known documents created by or for the court, whether extant or not. It does not include versions of documents created for other purposes, though those versions may be listed in footnotes. In certain cases, especially in cases concerning unpaid debts, the originating document (promissory note, invoice, etc.) is listed here. Note that documents in the calendar are grouped with their originating court. Where a version of a document was subsequently filed with another court, that version is listed under both courts.
 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Washington DC

1843 (3)

October (2)

27 October 1843

Docket Entry, Indictment, Washington DC

  • 27 Oct. 1843; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 19, Oct. Term 1843, Criminal Appearances, entry 184, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.
Ca. October 1843

Indictment, Washington DC

  • Ca. Oct. 1843. Not extant.
    1

    A grand jury indicted Jeremiah Smith during the October 1843 term for obtaining money from the U.S. Treasury under false pretenses. (Docket Entry, Indictment, 27 Oct. 1843 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to John C. Spencer, Washington DC, 14 Dec. 1843, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 238, NARA, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,568, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  • Ca. 27 Jan. 1844. Not extant.
    2

    On 27 January 1844, Charles B. Penrose, solicitor of the U.S. Treasury, forwarded a certified copy of the indictment to Isaac Leffler, U.S. marshal for Iowa Territory, with instructions that he should obtain a warrant from a local judge and apprehend Jeremiah Smith. Leffler presented the copy to Judge Charles Mason of the First Judicial District of Iowa Territory, who issued a warrant for Smith in February 1844, which was served. Leffler subsequently retrieved the indictment copy from the court. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Isaac Leffler, Burlington, Iowa Territory, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 288, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  • Ca. 16 Apr. 1844. Not extant.
    3

    On 16 April 1844, Charles B. Penrose, solicitor of the U.S. Treasury, forwarded a certified copy of the indictment to Thomas B. Johnson, a former U.S. marshal for Iowa Territory who was deputized to pursue Jeremiah Smith across state lines. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Thomas B. Johnson, Iowa Territory, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 384, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  • Ca. May 1844. Not extant.
    4

    Luther Hickok, an Iowa Territory physician who was deputized by Thomas B. Johnson to assist in the pursuit of Jeremiah Smith, presented a copy of the indictment to Judge Nathaniel Pope of the United States District Court for the District of Illinois, who issued a warrant for Smith. Johnson also deputized a James Notterman and a “Williams,” who may have also received copies of the indictment. (Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Isaac Leffler, Statement, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 19 Feb. 1846, Letters Received from U.S. Attorneys, Marshals, and Clerks of Court, 1838–1849, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

December (1)

Ca. December 1843

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. Dec. 1843; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 20, Dec. Term 1843, Criminal Appearances, entry 123, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1844 (4)

March (1)

March 1844

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Mar. 1844; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 21, Mar. Term 1844, Criminal Appearances, entry 109, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

June (1)

Ca. June 1844

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. June 1844; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 22, June Term 1844, Criminal Appearances, entry 109, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

Ca. October 1844

Docket Entry, Warrant, Forfeited Recognizance, and Deposition, Washington DC

  • Ca. Oct. 1844; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 23, Oct. Term 1844, Criminal Appearances, entry 102, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

December (1)

Ca. December 1844

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. Dec. 1844; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 24, Dec. Term 1844, Criminal Appearances, entry 78, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1845 (3)

February (1)

20 February 1845

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 20 Feb. 1845; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 25, Mar. Term 1845, Criminal Appearances, entry 62, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

1 May 1845

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 1 May 1845; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 26, June Term 1845, Criminal Appearances, entry 60, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

July (1)

July 1845

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • July 1845; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 27, Dec. Term 1845, Criminal Appearances, entry 59, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1846 (3)

March (1)

Ca. March 1846

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. Mar. 1846; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 28, Mar. Term 1846, Criminal Appearances, entry 46, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

June (1)

Ca. June 1846

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. June 1846; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 29, June Term 1846, Criminal Appearances, entry 35, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

August (1)

August 1846

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Aug. 1846; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 30, Dec. Term 1846, Criminal Appearances, entry 32, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1847 (3)

January (1)

21 January 1847

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 21 Jan. 1847; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 31, Mar. Term 1847, Criminal Appearances, entry 12, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

April (1)

26 April 1847

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 26 Apr. 1847; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 32, June Term 1847, Criminal Appearances, entry 12, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

September (1)

8 September 1847

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 8 Sept. 1847; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 33, Dec. Term 1847, Criminal Appearances, entry 10, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1848 (3)

March (1)

March 1848

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. Mar. 1848; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 34, Mar. Term 1848, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

May 1848

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • May 1848; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 35, June Term 1848, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

November (1)

November 1848

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Nov. 1848; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 36, Dec. Term 1848, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1849 (3)

January (1)

29 January 1849

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 29 Jan. 1849; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 37, Mar. Term 1849, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

June (1)

Ca. June 1849

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Ca. June 1849; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 38, June Term 1849, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

September (1)

10 September 1849

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 10 Sept. 1849; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 39, Dec. Term 1849, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1850 (3)

February (1)

9 February 1850

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 9 Feb. 1850; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 40, Mar. Term 1850, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

10 May 1850

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 10 May 1850; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 41, June Term 1850, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

September (1)

September 1850

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • Sept. 1850; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 42, Dec. Term 1850, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1851 (3)

February (1)

17 February 1851

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 17 Feb. 1851; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 43, Mar. Term 1851, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

April (1)

19 April 1851

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 19 Apr. 1851; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 44, June Term 1851, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

28 October 1851

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 28 Oct. 1851; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 45, Dec. Term 1851, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1852 (3)

February (1)

13 February 1852

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 13 Feb. 1852; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 46, Mar. Term 1852, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

4 May 1852

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 4 May 1852; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 47, June Term 1852, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

14 October 1852

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 14 Oct. 1852; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 48, Dec. Term 1852, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1853 (3)

February (1)

18 February 1853

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 18 Feb. 1853; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 49, Mar. Term 1853, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

June (1)

6 June 1853

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 6 June 1853; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 50, June Term 1853, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

November (1)

2 November 1853

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 2 Nov. 1853; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 51, Dec. Term 1853, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1854 (3)

February (1)

20 February 1854

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 20 Feb. 1854; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 52, Mar. Term 1854, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

16 May 1854

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 16 May 1854; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 53, June Term 1854, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

September (1)

29 September 1854

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 29 Sept. 1854; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 54, Dec. Term 1854, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1855 (3)

February (1)

3 February 1855

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 3 Feb. 1855; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 55, Mar. Term 1855, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

17 May 1855

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 17 May 1855; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 56, June Term 1855, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

29 October 1855

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 29 Oct. 1855; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 57, Dec. Term 1855, Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1856 (3)

February (1)

8 February 1856

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 8 Feb. 1856; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 58, Mar. Term 1856, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

May (1)

14 May 1856

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 14 May 1856; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 59, June Term 1856, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

November (1)

5 November 1856

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 5 Nov. 1856; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 60, Dec. Term 1856, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1857 (3)

February (1)

9 February 1857

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 9 Feb. 1857; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 61, Mar. Term 1857, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

April (1)

17 April 1857

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 17 Apr. 1857; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 62, June Term 1857, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

20 October 1857

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 20 Oct. 1857; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 63, Dec. Term 1857, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1858 (3)

February (1)

10 February 1858

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 10 Feb. 1858; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 64, Mar. Term 1858, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

June (1)

5 June 1858

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 5 June 1858; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 65, June Term 1858, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

October (1)

28 October 1858

Docket Entry, Washington DC

  • 28 Oct. 1858; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 66, Dec. Term 1843, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.

1859 (1)

February (1)

4 February–6 May 1859

Docket Entry, Nolle Prosequi, Washington DC

  • 4 Feb.–6 May 1859; U.S. Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Docket, vol. 67, Mar. Term 1858, Criminal Appearances, entry 1, Record Group 21, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC; unidentified handwriting.
 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States District Court for Des Moines Co., First Judicial District, Iowa Territory

1843 (1)

October (1)

Ca. October 1843

Indictment, Copy, Washington DC

  • Ca. 27 Jan. 1844. Not extant.
    1

    This represents the copy of the indictment U.S. marshal Isaac Leffler gave to Judge Charles Mason of the First Judicial District of Iowa. (Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


1844 (4)

February (2)

Ca. Early February 1844

Charles Mason, Warrant, for Jeremiah Smith, Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory

  • Ca. Early Feb. 1844. Not extant.
    1

    Charles B. Penrose, solicitor for the U.S. Treasury, sent a certified copy of the indictment to Isaac Leffler, U.S. marshal for Iowa Territory, on 27 January 1844. Leffler received the copy in early February and presented it to Judge Charles Mason of the First Judicial District of Iowa Territory, who issued a warrant. Smith was apprehended and taken to Burlington, where he appeared on 17 February before Mason. Citing the prosecution’s failure to demonstrate that Smith was the Smith named in the indictment, the judge discharged him from custody. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Isaac Leffler, Burlington, Iowa Territory, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 288, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; “Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 17 Feb. 1844, [2]; “Release from Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser, 24 Feb. 1844, [2]; see also Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

    Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

19 Feb. 1844

Charles Mason, Warrant, for Jeremiah Smith, Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory

  • 19 Feb. 1844. Not extant.
    1

    Judge Charles Mason of the First Judicial District of Iowa Territory issued a second warrant for Smith, evidently on 19 February 1844, but it was returned unserved. (“Maj. Smith Senr.,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 2 Mar. 1844, [2]; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Isaac Leffler, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 13 Mar. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 352–353, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

March (1)

Ca. March 1844

Charles Mason, Warrant, for Jeremiah Smith, Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory

  • Ca. March 1844. Not extant.
    1

    Judge Charles Mason of the First Judicial District of Iowa Territory evidently issued a third warrant for Smith in March 1844, which apparently had not been returned by the end of that month. (Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 374–375.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

May (1)

21 May 1844

John Dunlap, Certificate, Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa Territory

  • 21 May 1844. Not extant.
  • Ca. 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of William Clayton; docket and notations in handwriting of Willard Richards.
 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith, Hancock Co., Illinois, Justice of the Peace Court

1844 (2)

May (2)

13 May 1844

Thomas B. Johnson, Complaint, before William Bennum, Appanoose, Hancock Co., IL

  • 13 May 1844. Not extant.
    1

    Thomas B. Johnson, the federal agent authorized to pursue Jeremiah Smith, utilized a federal statute to work with Hancock County justice of the peace William Bennum to apprehend Smith. Although Johnson’s complaint summarizing the allegations against Smith is apparently not extant, it was referenced in the warrant Bennum issued for Smith. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Thomas B. Johnson, Iowa Territory, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 384, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

13 May 1844

William Bennum, Warrant, to All Sheriffs, Coroners, and Constables of Hancock Co., for Jeremiah Smith, Appanoose, Hancock Co., IL

  • 13 May 1844. Not extant.
  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records; handwriting of George Stiles; certification in handwriting of Willard Richards with signature of James McCance; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
    1

    Thomas B. Johnson, the federal agent authorized to pursue Smith, utilized a federal statute to work with Hancock County justice of the peace William Bennum to apprehend Smith. Based on Johnson’s complaint, Bennum issued a warrant on 13 May 1844. This copy of the warrant was filed with the Nauvoo Municipal Court. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Thomas B. Johnson, Iowa Territory, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 384, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, Municipal Court

1844 (11)

May (11)

13 May 1844

William Bennum, Warrant, Copy, to All Sheriffs, Coroners, and Constables of Hancock Co., for Jeremiah Smith, Appanoose, Hancock Co., IL

  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records; handwriting of George Stiles; docket in handwriting of Willard Richards; notation in handwriting of Willard Richards with signature of James McCance.
    1

    This represents the copy of the warrant filed with the Nauvoo Municipal Court.


16 May 1844

Jeremiah Smith, Petition, to Nauvoo Municipal Court, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of George Stiles; signature of Jeremiah Smith; certified by JS in handwriting of William W. Phelps; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
16 May 1844

Willard Richards, Habeas Corpus, to Nauvoo City Marshal, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; manuscript form in handwriting of Willard Richards with manuscript additions in handwriting of Willard Richards; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards; notation in handwriting of John P. Greene; notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; manuscript form in handwriting of Willard Richards with manuscript additions in handwriting of Willard Richards; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards; notations in handwriting of Willard Richards with signatures of John P. Greene and James McCance; notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
16 May 1844

Willard Richards, Summons, to Nauvoo City Marshal, for JS and Others, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of Willard Richards; docket in handwriting of Willard Richards; notation in handwriting of John P. Greene; notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
16 May 1844

Minutes, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 16 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of Willard Richards; docket in handwriting of Willard Richards.
18 May 1844

JS as Mayor, Subpoena, for Jeremiah Smith Jr., Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 18 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; printed form with manuscript additions in handwriting of William W. Phelps; notation in handwriting of John P. Greene.
Between 16 and 30 May 1844

Charles B. Penrose, Note, Washington DC

  • Between 16 and 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of Charles B. Penrose.
30 May 1844

Minutes, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL and Nauvoo Mayor’s Court, Papers, CHL; handwriting of Willard Richards.
30 May 1844

Willard Richards, Execution, to Nauvoo City Marshal, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of Willard Richards; docket in handwriting of Willard Richards; endorsement in handwriting of John P. Greene.
30 May 1844

Willard Richards, Bill of Costs, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of Willard Richards; docket and notation in handwriting of Thomas B. Johnson.
18–31 May 1844

Docket Entry, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 18–31 May 1844; Nauvoo Municipal Court Docket Book, 97–99; handwriting of Willard Richards.
    1

    Richards apparently inscribed the entry for the case in the municipal court’s docket book in stages. On 18–19 May 1844, he evidently wrote the portion of the entry for the 16 May hearing, copying and expanding the contemporaneous minutes. He then noted in his journal that he worked into the night of 30–31 May until one o’clock in the morning preparing the remainder of the entry for the case, as well as the entry for the other case heard that day, in the municipal court’s docket book. (Richards, Journal, 18–19, 30 May 1844.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

  • 31 May 1844. Not extant.
    2

    Luther Hickok requested a copy of the docket entry, which Richards completed on 31 May 1844. (JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Richards, Journal, 30–31 May 1844.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States District Court for the District of Illinois, Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois

1843 (1)

October (1)

Ca. October 1843

Indictment, Copy, Washington DC

  • Ca. May 1844. Not extant.
    1

    This represents the copy of the indictment given to Judge Nathaniel Pope of the United States District Court for the District of Illinois. (Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)


1844 (3)

May (2)

21 May 1844

Luther Hickok, Complaint, before Nathaniel Pope, Springfield, Sangamon Co., IL

  • 21 May 1844. Not extant.
    1

    See Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].


21 May 1844

Nathaniel Pope, Warrant, to U.S. Marshal for the District of IL, for Jeremiah Smith, Springfield, Sangamon Co., IL

  • 21 May 1844. Not extant.
  • Ca. 25 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of William Prentiss.
    1

    Although this version of the warrant does not have a filing notation, it may be the version that accompanied Jeremiah Smith’s 30 May 1844 petition for habeas corpus and was subsequently filed with Nauvoo Municipal Court. (Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].)


June (1)

Ca. 12 June 1844

Jeremiah Smith, Recognizance, Springfield, Sangamon Co., IL

  • Ca. 12 June 1844. Not extant.
    1

    The date of the hearing before Nathaniel Pope is unknown and the resulting $5,000 recognizance is apparently not extant, but Luther Hickok wrote to Charles B. Penrose on 12 June 1844 describing the outcome, suggesting that the hearing occurred around that date. In addition, word of the hearing’s result did not reach Nauvoo until 17 June. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Luther W. Hickok, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 29 June 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456; Charles B. Penrose to Philip R. Fendall, 1 July 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456–457; Seth Barton, Washington, DC, to Robert J. Walker, Washington DC, 12 Mar. 1846, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 25, pp. 419–421, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

 
United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, Municipal Court

1844 (5)

May (5)

21 May 1844

Nathaniel Pope, Warrant, Copy, to U.S. Marshal for the District of IL, for Jeremiah Smith, Springfield, Sangamon Co., IL

  • 21 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting probably of Luther Hickok.
    1

    This represents the version of the warrant that may have accompanied Jeremiah Smith’s 30 May 1844 petition for habeas corpus and was subsequently filed with Nauvoo Municipal Court. (Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].)


30 May 1844

Jeremiah Smith, Petition, to Nauvoo Municipal Court, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; unidentified handwriting; signature of Jeremiah Smith; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
30 May 1844

Willard Richards, Habeas Corpus, to Nauvoo City Marshal, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; printed form with manuscript additions in handwriting of Willard Richards; notation in handwriting of John P. Greene; notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
  • Ca. 30 May 1844. Not extant.
    1

    A copy of the writ of habeas corpus was given to Luther Hickok.


30 May 1844

Henry T. Hugins and George Stiles on behalf of Jeremiah Smith, Motion, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; unidentified handwriting; docket and notation in handwriting of Willard Richards.
  • Ca. 30 May 1844; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL; handwriting of William Clayton.
30–31 May 1844

Docket Entry, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL

  • 30–31 May 1844; Nauvoo Municipal Court Docket Book, 100–102; handwriting of Willard Richards.
    1

    Richards, Journal, 30–31 May 1844.


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

  • 31 May 1844. Not extant.
    2

    Luther Hickok requested a copy of the docket entry, which Richards completed on 31 May 1844. (JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Richards, Journal, 30–31 May 1844.)


    Comprehensive Works Cited

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

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Editorial Title
Introduction to United States v. Jeremiah Smith, United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A, and United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B
ID #
18984
Total Pages
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    Footnotes

    1. [1]

      In their efforts to apprehend Jeremiah Smith, federal agents coordinated with the U.S. District Court for Des Moines County, First Judicial District of Iowa Territory; Justice of the Peace William Bennum in Hancock County, Illinois; and the U.S. District Court for the District of Illinois. These three courts produced documents in this case, although each did so under a federal statute on behalf of the U.S. Criminal Court. (An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States [24 Sept. 1789], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 66–67, sec. 33.)

      The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

    2. [2]

      Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; Habeas Corpus, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]. JS and Jeremiah Smith apparently were not related. (JS, Journal, 29 May 1844.)

    3. [3]

      See “The Nauvoo Municipal Court and the Writ of Habeas Corpus.”

    4. [4]

      James Eakin, Washington DC, to Jeremiah Smith Jr., Burlington, Iowa Territory, 11 May 1843, Second Auditor’s Letterbooks, 1817–1886, vol. 31, pp. 62–63, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,702; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to John Deshler, Bloomington, Iowa Territory, 18 July 1843, Letters Sent by the Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 67–68, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. The precise relationship between the two Jeremiah Smiths is unknown, although the younger Smith indicated that there was “a distant connexion.” Efforts were sometimes made to differentiate the men by attaching the suffixes “Sr.” and “Jr.” to their names, which is reflected here in some of the municipal court documents referring to Jeremiah Smith as Jeremiah Smith Sr. (Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 352–353, 362–368.)

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

      Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

    5. [5]

      Jeremiah Smith Sr., “For the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 1 May 1844, [2].

      Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

    6. [6]

      Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Allison R. Parris, 11 July 1843, Letters Sent by the Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 64–65, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

    7. [7]

      Docket Entry, Indictment, 27 Oct. 1843 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]. Smith was evidently charged with violating an 1823 federal statute that made it a felony to “falsely make, alter, forge, or counterfeit” any “receipt, or other writing, for the purpose of obtaining or receiving . . . from the United States, or any of their officers or agents, any sum or sums of money.” Conviction would result in imprisonment for between one and ten years, or a combination of up to five years imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000. (An Act for the Punishment of Frauds Committed on the Government of the United States [3 Mar. 1823], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 1917–1918, sec. 1.)

      The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

    8. [8]

      Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Isaac Leffler, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 27 Jan. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 288–289, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

    9. [9]

      Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; “Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 17 Feb. 1844, [2]; “Release from Arrest,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser, 24 Feb. 1844, [2], italics in original.

      Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

    10. [10]

      “Maj. Smith Senr.,” Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser (Burlington), 2 Mar. 1844, [2]; Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 374–375.

      Iowa Territorial Gazette and Advertiser. Burlington, Iowa Territory. 1840–1846.

      Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

    11. [11]

      Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Thomas B. Johnson, Iowa Territory, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 384–385; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to William M. McPherson, St. Louis, MO, 16 Apr. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, pp. 381–383, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. Penrose cited section 33 of the 1789 federal judiciary act, which outlined how an officer should work with a federal or state judge to secure a fugitive. (An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States [24 Sept. 1789], Public and General Statutes [1840], pp. 66–67, sec. 33.)

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

      The Public and General Statutes Passed by the Congress of the United States of America. From 1789 to 1836 Inclusive. . . . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1840.

    12. [12]

      “Sister Emma Smith,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 25 Apr. 1844, [2]; Jeremiah Smith Sr., “For the Neighbor,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 1 May 1844, [2]; JS, Journal, 20 Apr. 1844.

      Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

      Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

    13. [13]

      JS, Journal, 25 Apr. 1844; Jordan, “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths,” 362–368.

      Jordan, Philip D. “Iowa’s Puzzling Jeremiah Smiths.” Annals of Iowa 45 (Summer 1980): 352–383.

    14. [14]

      JS, Journal, 6 May 1844; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, [Quincy, IL], 16 [17] Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, [Nauvoo, IL], 24 Aug. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, [Quincy, IL], 27 Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, [Nauvoo, IL], 7 Sept. 1842, in JS, Journal, Copied Correspondence, 30 June–17 August 1842.

    15. [15]

      Petition, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].

    16. [16]

      JS, Journal, 25 Apr. 1844; Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].

    17. [17]

      Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; “Whig Convention,” Warsaw (IL) Signal, 29 June 1848, [2].

      Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

    18. [18]

      Clayton, Journal, 14 May 1844.

      Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

    19. [19]

      McCance noted the date of the arrest in his return notation on the warrant. (Warrant, 13 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].)

    20. [20]

      Petition, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]. Greene served the writ of habeas corpus by leaving a copy with McCance, who wrote his return on the copy. (Habeas Corpus, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; Habeas Corpus, Copy, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].)

    21. [21]

      Minutes, 16 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]; see also Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].

    22. [22]

      Minutes, 30 May 1844 [U.S v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A]. Under Illinois law, the judge or court reviewing a prisoner’s detention focused the inquiry on the detaining officer’s return notation, which summarized the grounds of the detention. The officer was normally present in court to make the return, and the court directed questions to the officer. Although the Nauvoo Municipal Court also followed this process, the court additionally sought to determine whether the initial charges were motivated “through private pique, malicious intent, religious or other persecution, falsehood, or misrepresentation.” This regularly involved questioning the original complainant, if he or she were willing to appear in court, and assessing him or her the court costs if the prisoner was discharged. (An Act Regulating the Proceeding on Writs of Habeas Corpus [22 Jan. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois [1839], pp. 323–324, sec. 3; “Habeas Corpus,” in Bouvier, Law Dictionary, 1:618–620; Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 8 Aug. 1842, 98; see also Docket Entry, 4–ca. 26 Apr. 1843 [State of Illinois v. J. Hoopes and L. Hoopes on Habeas Corpus]; and Docket Entry, 2–ca. 3 Apr. 1844 [State of Illinois v. Greene et al. on Habeas Corpus].)

      The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

      Bouvier, John. A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America, and of the Several States of the American Union; With References to the Civil and Other Systems of Foreign Law. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Philadelphia: T. and J. W. Johnson, 1843.

    23. [23]

      Docket Entry, 18–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].

    24. [24]

      Isaac Leffler, Statement, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 19 Feb. 1846, Letters Received from U.S. Attorneys, Marshals, and Clerks of Court, 1838–1849, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; History of Des Moines County, Iowa, 480; “Died,” Burlington (IA) Hawk-Eye, 2 May 1850, [3].

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

      The History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, &c., a Biographical Directory of Citizens . . . Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1879.

      Burlington Hawk-Eye. Burlington, IA. 1845–1851?.

    25. [25]

      Docket Entry, 18–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–A].

    26. [26]

      Warrant, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].

    27. [27]

      JS, Journal, 29 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].

    28. [28]

      Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].

    29. [29]

      Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].

    30. [30]

      Petition, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].

    31. [31]

      The copy given to Hickok is apparently not extant, but Richards did not mention in the docket entry that Hickok wrote a return on it, as Richards usually did. (Habeas Corpus, 30 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Ordinance, 14 Nov. 1842; see also Docket Entry, 10–ca. 17 Oct. 1843 [State of Illinois v. Drown on Habeas Corpus]; and Docket Entry, 2–ca. 3 Apr. 1844 [State of Illinois v. Greene et al. on Habeas Corpus].)

    32. [32]

      Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Certificate, 21 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].

    33. [33]

      JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B]; Affidavit from Henry T. Hugins, 31 May 1844. Johnson also attempted, unsuccessfully, to have the justices of the Nauvoo Municipal Court indicted by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield. (Letter from Luther W. Hickok, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 17 June 1844.)

    34. [34]

      Letter of Introduction to Nathaniel Pope for Jeremiah Smith Sr. and Henry T. Hugins, 30 May 1844.

    35. [35]

      JS, Journal, 30 May 1844; Richards, Journal, 30–31 May 1844; Docket Entry, 30–31 May 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith on Habeas Corpus–B].

      Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

    36. [36]

      Letter from Luther W. Hickok, 6 June 1844; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 6 June 1844.

    37. [37]

      Robert J. Walker, Washington DC, 12 Mar. 1846, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 25, pp. 419–421, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. The date of the hearing before Pope is unknown, but Hickok wrote to Penrose on 12 June 1844 describing the outcome, suggesting that it occurred around that date. In addition, word of the hearing’s result did not reach Nauvoo until 17 June. (Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Luther W. Hickok, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 29 June 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Philip R. Fendall, Washington DC, 1 July 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22, p. 456–457, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from Henry T. Hugins, 17 June 1844; JS, Journal, 17 June 1844.)

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

    38. [38]

      Docket Entry, Warrant, Forfeited Recognizance, and Deposition, ca. Oct. 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Docket Entry, ca. Dec. 1844 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith]; Charles B. Penrose, Washington DC, to Philip R. Fendall, Washington DC, 25 Oct. 1844, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 22A, pp. 217–218; Seth Barton, Washington DC, to Robert J. Walker, Washington DC, 12 Mar. 1846, Letters Sent by Solicitor of the Treasury, vol. 25, pp. 419–421, Territorial Papers of Iowa, 1838–1852, NARA, microfilm 1,601,658, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Docket Entry, Nolle Prosequi, 4 Feb.–6 May 1859 [United States v. Jeremiah Smith].

      U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

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