Letter to Thomas Carlin, 30 July 1842
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Source Note
JS, Letter, , Hancock Co., IL, to , [, Adams Co., IL], 30 July 1842. Featured version copied [ca. 30 July 1842] in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 239–240; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for JS Letterbook 2.
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Historical Introduction
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.
Footnotes
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1
For more information on the threats of extradition and mob attacks, see Historical Introduction to Letter from Thomas Carlin, 27 July 1842.
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3
Thomas Carlin, Writ, 2 Aug. 1842, Ex Parte JS for Accessory to Boggs Assault [C.C.D. Ill. 1843], copy, Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.
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1
Document Transcript
July 30th. 1842
Esteemed Sir,
Your favour of the 27th. inst. pr Brevet Major Gen. is before me. I cannot let this opportunity pass without tendering to you my Warmest thanks for the friendly treatment my as well as those with her received at your hands during the late visit, and also for the friendly feelings breathed forth in your letter. Your may be assured that they are duly appreciated by me and shall ever be reciprocated.
I am perfectly satisfied with regard to the subject under consideration and with your remarks. I shall consider myself and our citizens secure from harm under the broad canopy of the Law under your administration, We look to you [p. 239] for protection in the event of any voilence being used towards us knowing that our innocence with reguard to all the accusations in circulation will be duly evidenced before an enlightened public.
Any service we can do the at any time will be cheerfully done, for our ambition is to be serviceable to our .
With sentiments of respect and esteem I remain your humble Servant
Joseph Smith
His Excellency [p. 240]
Footnotes
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1
Law also delivered JS’s 25 July 1842 letter to Carlin. (Letter from Thomas Carlin, 27 July 1842.)
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2
Emma Smith, Eliza R. Snow, and Amanda Barnes Smith accompanied Wilson Law when he delivered JS’s letter and petitions to Carlin, including a petition prepared and signed by members of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo. (Letter from Thomas Carlin, 27 July 1842.)