Having seen that through the imbecility of the law, or the secret connivance of its administrators, there was no possible chance of obtaining redress, and being protected in our rights, it was next decided upon to petition the president of the United States, in accordance with the revelation given to that effect. An able document was drawn up and sent to that officer, but it availed us nothing. We also wrote to the governor, asking him to issue an order to have our weapons, of which we had been deprived in November last, restored to us. But, notwithstanding the orders of the governor to Colonels Lucas and Pitcher, we never received our arms, but they were taken and distributed among the mob.
Our brethren in Kirtland, on hearing of our sufferings, did all in their power to help us; and immediately on receiving the revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, began to gather together young men and middle aged men to come to our relief.
We received the news of the coming of these brethren with much joy and thankfulness.
When the news got abroad of the movement, the mob once more became infuriated. They got together in large bodies, armed and provided themselves with cannon. Hundreds from the surrounding counties volunteered to help them in case Governor Dunklin should attempt to restore us to our homes, which he had said he would do as soon as enough of our brethren came together to enable us to protect ourselves in them.
In the midst of this intense excitement, Judge Ryland called a meeting of the brethren, citizens, and the Jackson county mob, with a view of an amicable adjustment, as he said, of our difficulties.
On Monday, June 16th, about one thousand citizens of Clay county, and a few from Jackson county, assembled in the court-house, in Liberty, according to appointment. Judge Turnham was appointed moderator, or chairman.
Judge Ryland used his best endeavors to allay the angry feelings of the mob, and to effect an adjustment of our difficulties in his own way, but not to our satisfaction.
A document from our opponents was introduced by war speeches by S. C. Owens and Rev. M. Riley, who, even in this meeting, advocated the idea of driving us from Clay Co. But Gen. Doniphan and Judge Turnham defended the cause of right, begging that the people of that county would not disgrace themselves in the manner. Jackson county had done; but let the "Mormons" remain in their midst and enjoy equal rights with them, "for," he said, "they are good citizens, and even better than many of the old settlers."
Gen. Doniphan said: "The Mormons have armed themselves, and if they don't fight they are cowards. I love to hear that they have brethren coming to their assistance, greater love can no man show, than he, who lays down his life for his brethren."
But such was the excitement caused by this discussion that a row and fight appeared certain, and many seemed to be preparing for it all over the room. The confusion was increasing, when somebody called into the room, "A man stabbed!"