At 7:30 a.m., Markham, Wasson, and Jones were severally sent by Joseph with messages to the Governor, but at 8 a.m., got no return. He also sent word to his counsel that he wanted a change of venue to Quincy, Adams County.
At 8 a.m., Joseph and Hyrum had a conversation with the jailor, Mr. Stigall, who said a week last Wednesday the mob were calculating to have made an attack on Nauvoo, and they expected about 9000 persons, but only about 200 came. They had sent runners to Missouri, and all around the counties in Illinois.
At ten minutes past 8 o'clock a.m. Joseph wrote to Governor Ford, as follows and sent it by Mr. Stigall:—
Letter—Joseph Smith to Governor Ford—Soliciting an Interview.
CARTHAGE JAIL, June 26, 1844.
Ten minutes past 8 a.m.
His Excellency Governor Ford:
SIR.—I would again solicit your excellency for an interview having been much disappointed the past evening. I hope you will not deny me this privilege any longer than your public duties shall absolutely require.
We have been committed under a false mittimus, and consequently the proceedings are illegal, and we desire the time may be hastened when all things shall be made right, and we relieved from this imprisonment.
Your servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S.—Please send an answer per bearer.
Word from Governor Ford.
At 8:30 a.m., Markham and Jones returned, stating that the Governor said he was taken by surprise last evening, and was very sorry. Was afraid we would think he had forfeited his word about having an interview, that the wrath of the people was about to turn on the head of Jackson, the mob, &c. That the Governor was doing as fast as he could.
Twelve minutes before 9. Received the following reply on the same sheet:—
"The interview will take place at my earliest leisure to-day.
"GOVERNOR FORD."
Consultation with Counsel
Ten minutes to 9. Mr. Reid and others arrived at the jail and investigated the merits of the case, and concluded to take a change of venue before Justice Greenleaf, of Augusta, Hancock county, and to send for Dr. James H. Lyon, Col. J. Brewer, Edward Bonney, M. G. Eaton, Dr. Abiathar Williams, Thomas A. Lyne, George J. Adams, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, Daniel H. Wells, Daniel Spencer, Orson Spencer, Dr. J. R. Wakefield, George P. Stiles, Jonathan Dunham, Albert P. Rockwood, Captain G. C. Anderson, William Marks, Hiram Kimball, Lorenzo D. Wasson, and Samuel Searles, as witnesses.