Preparations for an Attack.
Thursday, 20.—At daybreak I went with my staff and Major-General Dunham to the prairie, to view the situation of the ground, and to devise plans for the defense of the city, and select the proper locations to meet the mob, and made arrangements for provisions for the city, instructing my agent to pledge my farms for the purpose.
Report of Dr. Southwick.
At 10 a.m. Dr. Southwick from Louisiana arrived, and reported that there was not much excitement in St. Louis; that a cannon had arrived at Warsaw from Quincy, and that it had been reported to him that there was great excitement in Upper Missouri.
At 11, I reviewed the Legion facing the Mansion, and went to parade on the banks of the river.
I insert the affidavit of Carlos W. Lyon.
Affidavit: Carlos W. Lyon.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
CITY OF NAUVOO, ss
On the 20th day of June, 1844, came before me, Willard Richards, recorder of the city aforesaid, Carlos W. Lyon; and after being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that while at St. Louis, Mo., on Monday, the 17th instant, it was a common topic that they were furnishing arms and ammunition to be sent by steamboat to Warsaw, Illinois; and said if the people of Warsaw need five hundred men, to give notice by the steamer Boreas, and the men should be sent from St. Louis to Warsaw; and that your said affiant also saw a cannon landed from the steamer Mermaid at Warsaw; and further he saith not.
CARLOS W. LYON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of June, 1844,
WILLARD RICHARDS,
Recorder of the City of Nauvoo.
Wrote to John Tyler, President of the United States, as follows:
An Appeal to President Tyler.
CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 20th, 1844.
SIR.—I have just enclosed to the Governor of the State of Illinois copies of the enclosed affidavits and extra. I am sorry to say that the State of Missouri, not contented with robbing, driving and murdering many of the Latter-day Saints, are now joining the mob of this state for the purpose of the "utter extermination" of the Mormons, as they have resolved. And now, sir, as President of the United States, will you render that protection which the Constitution guarantees in case of "insurrection and rebellion," and save the innocent and oppressed from such horrid persecution?
With great respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
JOHN TYLER, President of the U. S., Washington, D. C.
I here insert affidavits of Hiram B. Mount and John Cunningham: