JOSEPH SMITH, SENIOR, IMPRISONED—AN ATTEMPT TO TAKE HYRUM.
On the same day that Hyrum left for Colesville, which was Wednesday, the neighbors began to call, one after another, and inquire very particularly for Hyrum.
This gave me great anxiety, for I knew that they had no business with him. The same night, my husband was taken rather ill, and, continuing unwell the next day, he was unable to take breakfast with me. About ten o'clock I commenced preparing him some milk porridge, but, before it was ready for him, a Quaker gentleman called to see him, and the following is the substance of their conversation:
Quaker.—"Friend Smith, I have a note against thee for fourteen dollars, which I have lately bought, and I have come to see if thou hast the money for me."
Mr. Smith.—"Why, sir, did you purchase that note? You certainly was in no want of the money?"
Quaker.—"That is business of my own; I want the money, and must have it."
Mr. Smith.—"I can pay you six dollars now,—the rest you will have to wait for, as I cannot get it for you."
Quaker.—"No, I will not wait one hour; and if thou dost not pay me immediately, thou shalt go forthwith to the jail, unless (running to the fire place, and making violent gestures with his hands towards the fire) thou wilt burn up those Books of Mormon; but if thou wilt burn them up, then I will forgive thee the whole debt."
Mr. Smith, (decidedly).—"That I shall not do."
Quaker.—"Then, thou shalt go to jail."