3 p.m.—Wrote to Messrs. Woods and Reid as follows which was carried by Elder John Taylor.
Letter: Joseph Smith to Messrs. Woods and Reid—Anent Excitement in Carthage.
CARTHAGE JAIL, June 26, 3 p.m.
Messrs. Woods and Reid.
SIRs,—Constable Bettisworth called a little while since, and wanted to come in, the guard would not [allow it]. We have since learned that he wanted to take us before the magistrate, and we have since learned that there is some excitement because we did not go, and we wish to see you without delay.
We are informed that Dr. Foster has said that they can do nothing with us, only by powder and ball, as we have done nothing against the law.
Yours,
JOSEPH SMITH.
Per W. RICHARDS.
Joseph and Hyrum Smith Forced from Prison.
Twenty minutes to 4—Upon the refusal of the jailor to give up the prisoners, the constable with the company of Carthage Greys, under the command of Frank Worrell, marched to the jail, and by intimidation and threats, compelled the jailor, against his will and conviction of duty, to deliver Joseph and Hyrum to the Constable, who forthwith, and contrary to their wishes, compulsorily took them.
Joseph, seeing the mob gathering and assuming a threatening aspect, concluded it best to go with them then, and putting on his hat, walked boldly into the midst of a hollow square of the Carthage Greys; yet evidently expecting to be massacred in the streets before arriving at the Court House, politely locked arms with the worst mobocrat he could see, and Hyrum locked arms with Joseph, followed by Dr. Richards, and escorted by a guard. Elders Taylor, Jones, Markham, and Fullmer followed, outside the hollow square, and accompanied them to the court room.
Prisoners Before the Court.
4 o'clock.—Case called by Robert F. Smith, Captain of the Carthage Greys. The counsel for the prisoners then appeared, and called for subpoenas for witnesses on the part of the prisoners, and expressed their wish to go into the examination as soon as the witnesses could be brought from Nauvoo to Carthage. This was objected to most vehemently by the opposite counsel.
4:25.—Took copy of order to bring prisoners from jail for trial, as follows:—
Copy of Order to Bring Prisoners into Court.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ss
To David Bettisworth, Constable of said county.
You are hereby commanded to bring the bodies of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith from the jail of said county, forthwith before me at my office, for an examination on the charge of treason, they having been committed for safe keeping until trial could be had on such examination, and the state now being ready for such examination.
Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of June, 1844.
(Signed) R. F. SMITH, J. P. [L. S.]