On 30 July 1842, JS wrote a letter from , Illinois, to Governor in , Illinois, in answer to Carlin’s 27 July letter to JS. On 25 July, JS had sent a letter to Carlin asking the governor to have the stand ready in case of attacks on Nauvoo. The letter also transmitted petitions from Nauvoo citizens, both members and those outside of the church, asking the governor to protect JS from extradition to . Carlin had responded on 27 July that he did not believe Nauvoo was in any imminent danger and that, although he considered it his “imperative duty” to ensure that Nauvoo citizens were not deprived of their rights by violence, it was not necessary to hold the Nauvoo Legion in readiness. In this 30 July letter of reply, JS acknowledged his satisfaction with Carlin’s letter and stated that he would continue to rely on Carlin to protect him and all of Nauvoo’s residents.

JS’s original letter is apparently not extant. recorded it in JS Letterbook 2, presumably before it was sent to . The letter probably reached Carlin within a day or two, although it is not clear whether it was mailed or hand delivered by a courier. A reply from Carlin is not extant, but on 2 August, Carlin issued a warrant for JS’s arrest.