On our way, we crossed the Mississippi river at Quincy, Illinois, on the ice. We were the last to cross in that way that season. When near the west side, on account of the weakness of the ice, we took the horses from the wagons and laid down planks to run the latter to the shore.
In March, Brother Isaac Decker and I arrived in Davis County, Missouri. I purchased a quarter section of land and went to work to make me a home. Brother Decker rented a farm. The remainder of the company went on to Far West, twenty-two miles farther.
We labored diligently at our business during the summer, usually having meetings on the Sabbath. Matters remained quiet until election day, August 6th, 1838, when the Missourians determined that the "Mormons" should not vote. On the other hand, the brethren asserted their rights, and a fight took place at Gallatin, as related in Church history. I did not feel like attending election, and did not go. This was the beginning of our troubles in Davis County.
I lived eighteen miles from Adam Ondi-Ahman. About this time, I left my family on my place and went there and stood guard some two weeks. Brother Decker accompanied me. After completing our term of military service, Brother Decker and I started for home. We had but one horse, and we alternately rode and walked. As we passed through the town of Gallatin, about eight miles from home, it was my turn to walk, and Brother Decker was ahead of me on the horse. There was a company of Missourians stationed about twenty rods from the road, near a whisky saloon. As I was passing nearly opposite them, a party of men stepped in front of me and the leader ordered me to stop. He was armed with a sword. There were twenty-two of the party, mostly armed with rifles.
Nothing was said to Brother Decker, although he halted and sat on his horse a short distance off and watched the proceedings.
The captain of the party asked me where I had been, where I was going, and if I was a "Mormon," with many other questions which I answered truthfully.
After answering one of his questions, with a profane epithet he called me a liar. After this, I kept my mouth closed and answered no more of his questions. He was about half drunk, as were probably some of his men. He became much irritated at my silence, and used very profane and abusive language. Said he: "You have probably been robbing and burning in this section, and ought to be killed. Anyhow, I will make you open your mouth." He then ordered his men to form in a half circle a little distance from me, evidently to concentrate their fire. He then ordered them to "Make ready! Aim!"
Every rifle was drawn on me. I prayed in my heart, and felt considerable assurance that they would not be permitted to kill me. My life trembled in the balance awaiting the leader's order to fire, or recover arms. The latter order came. He then said excitedly: "Now will you talk?" But I remained silent.
This performance was repeated. He became filled with wrath, and commanded his men, the third time, "Make ready! Aim!" It looked surely as though my time had come. At this moment, a man in military garb, and armed with a sword, came running from the camp near the grocery. When near enough to to be heard, he cried out, "Hold on!"
The men dropped their pieces, and there was respite for me again. As he approached he demanded, "What are you doing?"