Essentials in Church History / A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"

by Joseph Fielding Smith

The Quincy citizens accepted the proposition of the Church authorities to move, but very graciously declined to make any promise to buy or to assist in the purchase of the abandoned property of the Saints. Why should they put themselves out to do such a thing, when the property would naturally fall into their hands when it was abandoned? ^{[2 ]}

The Carthage Convention

On the 1st and 2nd of October another convention of citizens from nine counties adjacent to Hancock, was held at Carthage. Resolutions were adopted in which the “Mormons” were accused of depredations upon the persons and property of the other citizens of Hancock County, and adjudged guilty, in spite of the personal investigation of the governor, himself unfriendly to the Latter-day Saints. Much bitterness of spirit was manifested at this meeting, which decided that it was too late to settle any difficulties between the “Mormons” and the other inhabitants, and only one thing would suffice and that was the removal of the “Mormons” from the state. They declared that the “Mormons” were not being persecuted, but were suffering for their dishonest acts; at the same time they declared that from “long acquaintance with the old citizens of Hancock County,” they could vouch for their “honor, integrity, and strict observance of the laws of their country,” notwithstanding it was universally known that these same citizens had taken part in the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith by mob force and contrary to law; moreover, that these same law-abiding citizens within the past few weeks had driven “Mormons” from their homes and burned their houses to the ground; had forced them from their fields where they had gone to gather crops; had whipped their men and stolen their cattle without any protest. It appeared that the old citizens, like the king, could do no wrong, if their depredations were committed against the Latter-day Saints. A most regrettable feature in connection with these troubles is the fact that O. H. Browning, Stephen A. Douglas and others, who had defended the Prophet Joseph Smith, now gave their influence to the mob and assisted in bringing to pass the expulsion of the “Mormon” people from Illinois. Bitter feelings against the Saints increased. Judges were intimidated, and even the officials of the state dared not raise a voice in protest above a whisper, or invoke the majesty of the law.

Duplicity of Governor Ford

The anti-“Mormons” of Illinois became impatient for the removal of their enemies before spring arrived. Their agreements were violated, and the Saints were not permitted to dwell in peace. Vexatious lawsuits, based on falsehoods, were planted against the apostles to embarrass them and hinder the progress of their work. Even Governor Ford, fearing that the Saints would not leave the state within the stipulated time, resorted to duplicity to force them from the borders of Illinois. December 29, 1845, he wrote to Sheriff Backenstos stating that indictments in the United States Court had been found against the leading “Mormons” which would bring them for the first time in collision with the United States. “If the ‘Mormons’ remain in the state,” he wrote, “a strong force will be ordered to Nauvoo by the Secretary of War,” and he thought the government at Washington would interfere and prevent the “Mormons” from going west of the Rocky Mountains, as many intelligent persons believed that they would there join the British, and “be more trouble than ever.” He thought that this consideration was likely to influence the government. He later sent word by Sheriff Backenstos that he had turned against the Saints and Major Warren was making calculations to prevent their going away. In his History of Illinois, Governor Ford admitted that he had resorted to deceit to make the “Mormons” believe that they would be prevented from going west, in order to hasten their departure.

President Young’s Reply

Commenting on the governor’s letter to the sheriff, President Young remarked:

“Should Governor Ford’s speculations and suppositions in relation to U. S. troops prove correct, and the government send a regular force to arrest us, we will run no risks of being murdered by them as our leaders have been; and as to fearing a trial before the courts, it is all gammon, for our danger consists only in being held still by the authorities while mobs massacre us, as Governor Ford held Joseph and Hyrum Smith, while they were butchered.”

Loyalty to the Government

Answering the charge that when they got away from the borders of the United States, the Latter-day Saints would join the forces of some other nation which might be at war with the American Government —a thought which rightfully might have been entertained after the treatment the “Mormon” people had received within the borders of that land —the high council and authorities of the Church replied: