The city charter of Nauvoo had proved a protection to the Saints, and guaranteed safety against the plottings of the wicked. It was the aim of the Nauvoo conspirators to cause its repeal. The first attempt to do this, as we have learned, failed. Now, however, the opposition had become so strong that the enemies of the Latter-day Saints accomplished their purpose. The charter was repealed by the legislature in January, 1845. Some of the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith sat in that body and violently denounced the “Mormons,” although it was well known that their hands were stained with innocent blood. After the repeal of the charter, and without hope of protection from the officers of the state, the Saints were at the mercy of their enemies. The prediction of the Prophet Joseph that after they had shed his blood they would seek the lives of every soul in whom was found the testimony of the Gospel, was literally fulfilled. The plots of the wicked were now turned against President Brigham Young and the leading brethren, who were forced to go into hiding from time to time.
Attacks Upon the Saints
In September, 1845, the scattered families of Saints were sorely persecuted. Many were driven from their homes, which were burned. Sheriff J. B. Backenstos endeavored to perform his duty, and took a determined stand against mob law. For his pains he was arrested on the charge of murder, as a mobber had been killed, but violence against the “Mormons” was permitted to go unchecked. Governor Ford had promised and pledged his word, that the murderers of the Prophet and Patriarch should be brought to justice. When he appealed to the citizens of Warsaw to sustain him in this pledge, they positively informed him that they would do nothing of the kind. Similar answers were given by other citizens, who not only took a stand in opposition to the trial of the murderers, but brazenly appealed to the governor to give his aid in expelling the “Mormons” from the state. That weak and pusillanimous individual, by his subsequent actions, acknowledged his defeat and the abdication of government in Illinois.
The Quincy Mass Meeting
September 22, 1845, a mass meeting was held in Quincy to take action against the Saints. Their removal from Illinois was advocated. Those who assembled fully understood that the Prophet Joseph Smith had contemplated a removal to the West, and that plans were on foot early in 1844 to send an exploring expedition out to locate a site for a new home in the Rocky Mountains. A committee was appointed by this mass meeting to wait upon the authorities of the Church and ascertain their intentions regarding a removal from the state of Illinois, and to impress upon the brethren that such a move was determined upon by the citizens. Following the meeting the Quincy Whig made this statement in this boasted land of liberty:
“It is a settled thing that the public sentiment of the State is against the ‘Mormons,’ and it will be in vain for them to contend against it; and to prevent bloodshed, and the sacrifice of many lives on both sides, it is their duty to obey the public will and leave the State as speedily as possible. That they will do this we have a confident hope and that too, before the next extreme is resorted to —that of force.”
The Reply of the Saints
The committee appointed waited upon President Brigham Young and the apostles, and acquainted them with the action of the mass meeting and desired a reply. On the 24th, the reply was given in a written communication. The persecutions of the Saints were mentioned and the statement made that the “Mormons” had endeavored to live in peace and desired to do so with all men. In relation to their removal they answered as follows:
“We would say to the committee above mentioned and to the Governor, and all the authorities, and people of Illinois, and the surrounding states and territories, that we propose to leave this country next spring, for some point so remote that there will not need to be any difficulty with the people and ourselves, provided certain propositions necessary for the accomplishment of our removal shall be observed, as follows, to wit:
“That the citizens of this and surrounding counties, and all men, will use their influence and exertion to help us to sell or rent our properties, so as to get means enough that we can help the widow, the fatherless and the destitute to remove with us.
“That all men will let us alone with their vexatious lawsuits so that we may have time, for we have broken no law; and help us to cash, dry goods, groceries, good oxen, beef-cattle, sheep, wagons, mules, horses, harness, etc. in exchange for our property, at a fair price, and deeds given at payment, that we may have means to accomplish a removal without the suffering of the destitute to an extent beyond the endurance of human nature.
“That all exchanges of property shall be conducted by a committee, or by committees of both parties; so that all the business may be transacted honorably and speedily.
“That we will use all lawful means, in connection with others, to preserve the public peace while we tarry; and shall expect, decidedly, that we be no more molested with house-burning, or any other depredations, to waste our property and time, and hinder our business.
“That it is a mistaken idea, that we have proposed to remove in six months, for that would be so early in the spring that grass might not grow nor water run; both of which would be necessary for our removal. But we propose to use our influence to have no more seed time and harvest among our people in this country after gathering our present crops; and that all communications to us be made in writing.
“By order of the Council,”
“Brigham Young,”
“President.”“W. Richards.”
“Clerk.”