[1]. Following is a copy of it:
CARTHAGE JAIL,
8 o'clock 5 min. p. m., June 27, 1844.
Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a band of Missourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them; I promise them no.
W. RICHARDS.
N. B. The citizens promise us protection. Alarm guns have been fired.
JOHN TAYLOR.
CHAPTER XVII.
WAS GOVERNOR FORD A PARTY TO THE MASSACRE?—SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.