Letter: Robert D. Foster to John Proctor—Fragment—Instruction as to Property.
We have a hundred barrels of flour here for the folks, and Nauvoo has no means to live, only from the country, and that is cut off sure. There are thousands of armed men ready now and thousands more coming from Missouri and the country around. Tell John to sleep in the barn, and take care of fire and robbery, and all my things there, as I shall be home soon. Tell Amos Davis to keep his eyes open, as we learn that consecration law will soon commence on him. This we know, and he had better look out sharp. Let him read this sheet. Tell Norton Gibbs and all my boys that I should be glad to see them a minute, but I cannot come. They must be patient and faithful, and I will be there and reward every man according to his desert; and I won't forget the perjured villains there either.
Hyrum Smith's Fidelity to the Prophet.
I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family on the next steamboat and go to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied, "Joseph, I can't leave you." Whereupon I said to the company present, "I wish I could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you and see it out."
Friday, 21.—About 10 a.m. I rode out with my guard up Main Street past the Major-General's quarters, and reviewed the Legion. I returned to headquarters about 2:30 p.m., having met Col. Elam L. Freeman and Mr. Bartlett, who came as express from the Governor who had arrived at Carthage this morning, and they delivered me the following letter:
Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of Nauvoo Asking Representatives to Meet him at Carthage.
HEADQUARTERS CARTHAGE, June 21st, 1844.
To the Honorable the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Nauvoo:
GENTLEMEN.—Having heard of the excitement in this part of the country, and judging that my presence here might be necessary to preserve the peace and enforce the laws, I arrived at this place this morning. Both before and since my arrival, complaints of a grave character have been made to me of certain proceedings of your honorable body. As chief magistrate, it is my duty to see that impartial justice shall be done, uninfluenced either by the excitement here or in your city.
I think before any decisive measure shall be adopted, that I ought to hear the allegations and defenses of all parties. By adopting this course I have some hope that the evils of war may be averted, and, at any rate, I will be enabled by it to understand the true merits of the present difficulties, and shape my course with reference to law and justice.
For these reasons I have to request that you will send out to me at this place, one or more well-informed and discreet persons, who will be capable of laying before me your version of the matter, and of receiving from me such explanations and resolutions as may be determined on.
Col. Elam L. Freeman will present you this note in the character of a herald from the Governor. You will respect his character as such and permit him to pass and repass free from molestation.
Your messengers are assured of protection in person and property, and will be returned to you in safety.
I am, gentlemen, with high consideration most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS FORD.
Governor and Commander in Chief.
Joseph H. Jackson at Nauvoo.
I immediately notified the City Council to meet in session at 4 p.m. About 11 a.m. a rumor was circulated at General Dunham's headquarters that Joseph H. Jackson was seen at Davidson Hibberd's. He [Dunham] ordered out a posse to arrest him, which went accordingly, but returned without success.
At 4 p.m. I met with the City Council, when the affidavits of the following persons were read—namely Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston, Edward Durfee, Solomon Hancock, William Gardner, John G. Lofton, Allen T. Waite, James Guyman, Obadiah Bowen, Alvah Tippetts, Hiram B. Mount, John Cunningham, Cyrus Canfield, Gilbert Belknap, Anson Call, David Evans, William E. Horner, Stephen Markham, Thomas G. Wilson, John P. Greene, John M. Bernhisel, Truman Gillett, Jr., Carlos W. Lyon, and H. T. Hugins; when Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, Councilor John Taylor, and Dr. Willard Richards were appointed by the council to return with the express to the Governor at Carthage, and carry said affidavits with the following letter:
Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Submitting Documents.
NAUVOO, June 21, 1844.
SIR—The affidavits and handbills herewith connected, are submitted for your Excellency's consideration.
Respectfully, I have the honor to be your Excellency's obedient servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
THOMAS FORD, Governor of Illinois, Carthage.
Messrs. Taylor and Bernhisel went accordingly, but Dr. Richards tarried to prepare additional documents.