449. The last 3 days before martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Details of what happened.
The last 3 days before martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith -- from Latter Day Devotion.
June 25,1844 - With the personal guarantee of Governor Ford of protection, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and those traveling with him who had been indited, voluntarily surrendered to the constable in Carthage. At about 8 a.m. the Prophet and his brother Hyrum were again arrested and this time charged with treason against the state of Illinois based on the testimony of Augustine Spencer. At 8:30 a.m. Governor Ford called all the troops to the public square and addressed them "in a most inflammatory manner, exciting the feelings of indignation against Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith" (History of the Church, 6:563).
At 9:15 a.m., the Governor invited Joseph to walk with him through the troops. They first went to General Deming's quarters where the Governor again "pledged the faith of the state that he and his friends should be protected from violence" (History of the Church, 6:563). They then were paraded before the unruly soldiers in the square and then returned to their quarters just after 10 a.m.. Rumors were rampant that Nauvoo was to be attacked. The Governor ordered a company of men from McDonough County to march to Nauvoo to help the police keep the peace. He wrote Emma a letter explaining the situation and that the Governor "has just agreed to march his army to Nauvoo, and I shall come along with him" (History of the Church, 6:565).
During the afternoon several officers of the troops in Carthage, and other gentlemen curious to see the Prophet, visited Joseph in his room. The Prophet asked if there was anything in his appearance "that indicated he was the desperate character his enemies represented him to be. . . . 'No, sir, your appearance would indicate the very contrary, General Smith; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither can we tell what are your intentions.' To which Joseph replied, 'Very true, gentlemen, you cannot see what is in my heart . . . but I can see what is in your hearts, and will tell you what I see. I can see that you thirst for blood, and nothing but my blood will satisfy you. . . . and inasmuch as you and the people thirst for blood, I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you shall witness scenes of blood and sorrow to your entire satisfaction. . . . and many of you now present shall have an opportunity to face the cannon's mouth from sources you think not of" (History of the Church, 6:566). (Probably fulfilled through the Civil War)
In the late afternoon, the fifteen defendants appeared before Judge Robert F. Smith-a different judge than the one who issued the writ for their arrest contrary to the original order from Governor Ford. However, the judge released all of them on bail. Most of the brethren immediately left Carthage for Nauvoo. Joseph and Hyrum stayed to talk with Governor Ford as he had promised them an interview. At 8 p.m. the Constable appeared and demanded that Joseph and Hyrum go with him to jail. They protested and demanded to see Governor Ford. Governor Ford refused to interfere, even though he knew it was an illegal procedure. A guard was gathered and the Prophet, his brother Hyrum, and several other brethren including Willard Richards and John Taylor, were escorted to Carthage Jail in safety through the mob in the streets. They were first placed in the criminal cell, but were moved and placed in the more comfortable debtor's cell. After conversation and prayer, the brethren retired to bed at 11:30 p.m.
June 26,1844 - After breakfast, Mr. Stigall, the jailer, moved the Prophet Joseph and those with him to an upstairs bedroom in the Carthage Jail. It was much more comfortable for the men, however, it did not have a lock on the door. The Prophet met with his lawyers and agreed to a request for a change of venue to Quincy, Illinois. Governor Ford arrived mid-morning and Joseph was able to present his side of the events surrounding the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor press and the calling out of the Nauvoo Legion. The Governor again assured them of their safety and stated that if he went to Nauvoo the next day he would take Joseph with him.
In the afternoon the men took turns preaching to the guards, several of whom stated that they would not fight against them anymore as they were convinced of their innocence. About 2:30 p.m., Constable Bettisworth arrived at the door and demanded to take custody of the prisoners. The jailer, Mr. Stigall, refused to turn them over with out proper orders, thus protecting the men from the mob. However, the Constable returned a short time later with a company of Carthage Greys, the city militia, and by intimidation compelled the jailor to deliver Joseph and Hyrum over to him. The Prophet concluded it was best to go with them, "and putting on his hat, walked boldly into the midst of a hollow square of the Carthage Greys; yet evidently expecting to be massacred in the streets before arriving at the Court House, politely locked arms with the worst mobocrate he could see, and Hyrum locked arms with Joseph, followed by Dr. Richards, and escorted by a guard" (History of the Church, 6:594).
The other men followed them as they walked to the court room. After appearing in court, the men returned to the jail. The Prophets uncle, John Smith, arrived at the jail to see Joseph. They wouldn't let him in but Joseph boldly stood up to the guard and his uncle was allowed to come in. He stayed about an hour before leaving. During the evening, Hyrum read and commented on portions of the Book of Mormon. Joseph bore his testimony to the guards and others present of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and his calling to restore the Church to the earth. After going to bed, gunfire caused Joseph to get out of bed and he lay himself on the floor next to Dan Jones and John S. Fullmer. He mentioned several times that he felt he would die, saying, "I would like to see my family again" and "I would to God that I could preach to the Saints in Nauvoo once more." (History of the Church, 6:601).
After all had fallen to sleep except the Prophet and Dan Jones, the Prophet whispered to him, "'Are you afraid to die?' Dan said, 'Has that time come, think you?' Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors.' Joseph replied, 'You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die.'" (History of the Church, 6:601).
June 27,1844 - After a restless night in Carthage Jail, Dan Jones went downstairs and inquired of the guard the cause of the gunfire during the night. Frank Worrel, the officer of the guard, told him that unless he left he would be killed with Joseph and everyone else with him before nightfall. Joseph sent him to tell the Governor. On the way to the Governor's quarters he heard a group of men talking about killing the Prophet when Governor Ford left Carthage for Nauvoo. The governor dismissed Dan Jones' report. Dan Jones then stated that the Prophet and his brother are "American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their lives" (History of the Church, 6:603).
Governor Ford "turned pale" and Dan Jones continued with a request that, "if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be sacrificed . . . the Almighty will preserve my life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely warned of their danger" (History of the Church, 6:603). When he returned to the jail, the guard refused to let him enter. He went to the Governor to receive a pass back into the jail, but was refused. Joseph wrote a letter to Emma and said, "I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified, and have done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children and all my friends . . . May God bless you all. Amen" (History of the Church, 6:605).
As the Governor prepared to go to Nauvoo, Cyrus Wheelock approached him and told him that he feared for Joseph's life. The Governor again assured him of their safety. He left the Carthage Greys in Carthage to protect the jail, however, many of the Grays were part of the mob. Cyrus Wheelock went to the jail and as it had been a little rainy in the morning, was able to wear his overcoat into the jail and was not searched. He had a six-shooter in the pocket which he gave to Joseph. Messages were given to him and he left for Nauvoo. As part of his instructions to Cyrus Wheelock, Joseph told him about how Jesus had the power as a child to rule the Jews, but could not because he lacked the physical strength. He then compared that to the Church and said, "We have the revelation of Jesus, and the knowledge within us is sufficient to organize a righteous government upon the earth, and to give universal peace to all mankind, if they would receive it, but we lack the physical strength, as did our Savior when a child, to defend our principles, and we have of necessity to be afflicted, persecuted and smitten, and to bear it patiently until Jacob is of age, then he will take care of himself" (History of the Church, 6:608-609).
The Governor was again warned just before leaving for Nauvoo by Marshal John P. Greene that there was a "conspiracy on foot to take the lives of Joseph and Hyrum during his absence," but again the Governor brushed it aside. (History of the Church, 6:611). Several men visited and left Carthage Jail during the afternoon as they continued to pursue legal avenues. Willard Richards became ill and Brother Markham was asked to go get some medicine for him. On his return a company of Carthage Grays grabbed him and put him on his horse and forced him out of town by bayonet. At 3:15 p.m., John Taylor sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the Prophet asked him to sing it again. Hyrum read extracts from Josephus. At 4 p.m. there was a change of guard and eight men were left to guard the jail. The main body of the Carthage Greys camped about a quarter mile from the jail at the public square. At 5:00 p.m. the jailer, Mr. Stigall, returned to the jail and told them Stephen Markham had been driven from Carthage and had fled to Nauvoo. He suggested that the men move to the cell as they would be safer there. Joseph replied that they would after dinner. Joseph asked Willard Richards if he would go into the cell with him. Dr. Richards replied that not only would he do that, but "'if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free.' Joseph said, 'You cannot.' The doctor replied, 'I will.'" (History of the Church, 6:616).
A few moments later the attack on the jail began. Hyrum was killed first. John Taylor was shot and he fell under the bed, but survived. Willard Richards was not injured. The Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and was shot. Falling out the window he said, "O Lord, my God!" The mob dispersed almost immediately when a call went up that "the Mormons are coming." A message was sent to Nauvoo written by Willard Richards that stated, "Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a hand of Missourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise them no!" (History of the Church, 6:621-622).
The message arrived at daybreak the next morning at the Mansion house in Nauvoo. In the mean time, word of the deaths had reached the Governor on his way back to Carthage. He held up the messenger until he could remove all the public records from Carthage in fear of retaliation from Nauvoo. Samuel Smith, the Prophets brother, was chased by a mob as he was approaching Carthage to visit Joseph. He became ill from the chase. (Note--Samuel also passed away in just a few weeks from that illness.) By midnight, Carthage was abandoned and only a few were left to help Willard Richards treat the wounds of John Taylor and prepare the bodies for their return to Navuoo.
-------------------I want to add my testimony that I KNOW THAT JOSEPH SMITH WAS A TRUE PROPHET, AND THIS, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, IS THE ONLY TRUE AND LIVING CHURCH UPON THIS EARTH! BY PARALEE M. ECKMAN -- GRANDMA PAL. My 2nd great grandfather, John Lowe Butler was one of 17 men who first rode on horses to Carthage, but were asked to return to Nauvoo. You can read about him in blogs # 66, posted January 10, 2014, and # 206, posted on August 7, 2014. Also my great grandfather Samuel Miles writes in his journal about attending the funeral of the Prophet Joseph, in blog # 130. His life is covered in other blogs, # 128, and others in # 133, 134, etc.
If you look under "Prophet Joseph Smith" in the labels in these posts, you will find many interesting articles telling various things about him, and his life and family.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his beloved brother Hyrum
June 25,1844 - With the personal guarantee of Governor Ford of protection, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and those traveling with him who had been indited, voluntarily surrendered to the constable in Carthage. At about 8 a.m. the Prophet and his brother Hyrum were again arrested and this time charged with treason against the state of Illinois based on the testimony of Augustine Spencer. At 8:30 a.m. Governor Ford called all the troops to the public square and addressed them "in a most inflammatory manner, exciting the feelings of indignation against Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith" (History of the Church, 6:563).
At 9:15 a.m., the Governor invited Joseph to walk with him through the troops. They first went to General Deming's quarters where the Governor again "pledged the faith of the state that he and his friends should be protected from violence" (History of the Church, 6:563). They then were paraded before the unruly soldiers in the square and then returned to their quarters just after 10 a.m.. Rumors were rampant that Nauvoo was to be attacked. The Governor ordered a company of men from McDonough County to march to Nauvoo to help the police keep the peace. He wrote Emma a letter explaining the situation and that the Governor "has just agreed to march his army to Nauvoo, and I shall come along with him" (History of the Church, 6:565).
During the afternoon several officers of the troops in Carthage, and other gentlemen curious to see the Prophet, visited Joseph in his room. The Prophet asked if there was anything in his appearance "that indicated he was the desperate character his enemies represented him to be. . . . 'No, sir, your appearance would indicate the very contrary, General Smith; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither can we tell what are your intentions.' To which Joseph replied, 'Very true, gentlemen, you cannot see what is in my heart . . . but I can see what is in your hearts, and will tell you what I see. I can see that you thirst for blood, and nothing but my blood will satisfy you. . . . and inasmuch as you and the people thirst for blood, I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you shall witness scenes of blood and sorrow to your entire satisfaction. . . . and many of you now present shall have an opportunity to face the cannon's mouth from sources you think not of" (History of the Church, 6:566). (Probably fulfilled through the Civil War)
In the late afternoon, the fifteen defendants appeared before Judge Robert F. Smith-a different judge than the one who issued the writ for their arrest contrary to the original order from Governor Ford. However, the judge released all of them on bail. Most of the brethren immediately left Carthage for Nauvoo. Joseph and Hyrum stayed to talk with Governor Ford as he had promised them an interview. At 8 p.m. the Constable appeared and demanded that Joseph and Hyrum go with him to jail. They protested and demanded to see Governor Ford. Governor Ford refused to interfere, even though he knew it was an illegal procedure. A guard was gathered and the Prophet, his brother Hyrum, and several other brethren including Willard Richards and John Taylor, were escorted to Carthage Jail in safety through the mob in the streets. They were first placed in the criminal cell, but were moved and placed in the more comfortable debtor's cell. After conversation and prayer, the brethren retired to bed at 11:30 p.m.
Death masks of Joseph, left, and Hyrum Smith
June 26,1844 - After breakfast, Mr. Stigall, the jailer, moved the Prophet Joseph and those with him to an upstairs bedroom in the Carthage Jail. It was much more comfortable for the men, however, it did not have a lock on the door. The Prophet met with his lawyers and agreed to a request for a change of venue to Quincy, Illinois. Governor Ford arrived mid-morning and Joseph was able to present his side of the events surrounding the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor press and the calling out of the Nauvoo Legion. The Governor again assured them of their safety and stated that if he went to Nauvoo the next day he would take Joseph with him.
In the afternoon the men took turns preaching to the guards, several of whom stated that they would not fight against them anymore as they were convinced of their innocence. About 2:30 p.m., Constable Bettisworth arrived at the door and demanded to take custody of the prisoners. The jailer, Mr. Stigall, refused to turn them over with out proper orders, thus protecting the men from the mob. However, the Constable returned a short time later with a company of Carthage Greys, the city militia, and by intimidation compelled the jailor to deliver Joseph and Hyrum over to him. The Prophet concluded it was best to go with them, "and putting on his hat, walked boldly into the midst of a hollow square of the Carthage Greys; yet evidently expecting to be massacred in the streets before arriving at the Court House, politely locked arms with the worst mobocrate he could see, and Hyrum locked arms with Joseph, followed by Dr. Richards, and escorted by a guard" (History of the Church, 6:594).
The other men followed them as they walked to the court room. After appearing in court, the men returned to the jail. The Prophets uncle, John Smith, arrived at the jail to see Joseph. They wouldn't let him in but Joseph boldly stood up to the guard and his uncle was allowed to come in. He stayed about an hour before leaving. During the evening, Hyrum read and commented on portions of the Book of Mormon. Joseph bore his testimony to the guards and others present of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and his calling to restore the Church to the earth. After going to bed, gunfire caused Joseph to get out of bed and he lay himself on the floor next to Dan Jones and John S. Fullmer. He mentioned several times that he felt he would die, saying, "I would like to see my family again" and "I would to God that I could preach to the Saints in Nauvoo once more." (History of the Church, 6:601).
After all had fallen to sleep except the Prophet and Dan Jones, the Prophet whispered to him, "'Are you afraid to die?' Dan said, 'Has that time come, think you?' Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors.' Joseph replied, 'You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die.'" (History of the Church, 6:601).
June 27,1844 - After a restless night in Carthage Jail, Dan Jones went downstairs and inquired of the guard the cause of the gunfire during the night. Frank Worrel, the officer of the guard, told him that unless he left he would be killed with Joseph and everyone else with him before nightfall. Joseph sent him to tell the Governor. On the way to the Governor's quarters he heard a group of men talking about killing the Prophet when Governor Ford left Carthage for Nauvoo. The governor dismissed Dan Jones' report. Dan Jones then stated that the Prophet and his brother are "American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their lives" (History of the Church, 6:603).
Governor Ford "turned pale" and Dan Jones continued with a request that, "if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be sacrificed . . . the Almighty will preserve my life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely warned of their danger" (History of the Church, 6:603). When he returned to the jail, the guard refused to let him enter. He went to the Governor to receive a pass back into the jail, but was refused. Joseph wrote a letter to Emma and said, "I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified, and have done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children and all my friends . . . May God bless you all. Amen" (History of the Church, 6:605).
Hyrum died first, and this painting depicts Joseph's sorrow.
As the Governor prepared to go to Nauvoo, Cyrus Wheelock approached him and told him that he feared for Joseph's life. The Governor again assured him of their safety. He left the Carthage Greys in Carthage to protect the jail, however, many of the Grays were part of the mob. Cyrus Wheelock went to the jail and as it had been a little rainy in the morning, was able to wear his overcoat into the jail and was not searched. He had a six-shooter in the pocket which he gave to Joseph. Messages were given to him and he left for Nauvoo. As part of his instructions to Cyrus Wheelock, Joseph told him about how Jesus had the power as a child to rule the Jews, but could not because he lacked the physical strength. He then compared that to the Church and said, "We have the revelation of Jesus, and the knowledge within us is sufficient to organize a righteous government upon the earth, and to give universal peace to all mankind, if they would receive it, but we lack the physical strength, as did our Savior when a child, to defend our principles, and we have of necessity to be afflicted, persecuted and smitten, and to bear it patiently until Jacob is of age, then he will take care of himself" (History of the Church, 6:608-609).
The Governor was again warned just before leaving for Nauvoo by Marshal John P. Greene that there was a "conspiracy on foot to take the lives of Joseph and Hyrum during his absence," but again the Governor brushed it aside. (History of the Church, 6:611). Several men visited and left Carthage Jail during the afternoon as they continued to pursue legal avenues. Willard Richards became ill and Brother Markham was asked to go get some medicine for him. On his return a company of Carthage Grays grabbed him and put him on his horse and forced him out of town by bayonet. At 3:15 p.m., John Taylor sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the Prophet asked him to sing it again. Hyrum read extracts from Josephus. At 4 p.m. there was a change of guard and eight men were left to guard the jail. The main body of the Carthage Greys camped about a quarter mile from the jail at the public square. At 5:00 p.m. the jailer, Mr. Stigall, returned to the jail and told them Stephen Markham had been driven from Carthage and had fled to Nauvoo. He suggested that the men move to the cell as they would be safer there. Joseph replied that they would after dinner. Joseph asked Willard Richards if he would go into the cell with him. Dr. Richards replied that not only would he do that, but "'if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free.' Joseph said, 'You cannot.' The doctor replied, 'I will.'" (History of the Church, 6:616).
A few moments later the attack on the jail began. Hyrum was killed first. John Taylor was shot and he fell under the bed, but survived. Willard Richards was not injured. The Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and was shot. Falling out the window he said, "O Lord, my God!" The mob dispersed almost immediately when a call went up that "the Mormons are coming." A message was sent to Nauvoo written by Willard Richards that stated, "Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a hand of Missourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise them no!" (History of the Church, 6:621-622).
The message arrived at daybreak the next morning at the Mansion house in Nauvoo. In the mean time, word of the deaths had reached the Governor on his way back to Carthage. He held up the messenger until he could remove all the public records from Carthage in fear of retaliation from Nauvoo. Samuel Smith, the Prophets brother, was chased by a mob as he was approaching Carthage to visit Joseph. He became ill from the chase. (Note--Samuel also passed away in just a few weeks from that illness.) By midnight, Carthage was abandoned and only a few were left to help Willard Richards treat the wounds of John Taylor and prepare the bodies for their return to Navuoo.
-------------------I want to add my testimony that I KNOW THAT JOSEPH SMITH WAS A TRUE PROPHET, AND THIS, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, IS THE ONLY TRUE AND LIVING CHURCH UPON THIS EARTH! BY PARALEE M. ECKMAN -- GRANDMA PAL. My 2nd great grandfather, John Lowe Butler was one of 17 men who first rode on horses to Carthage, but were asked to return to Nauvoo. You can read about him in blogs # 66, posted January 10, 2014, and # 206, posted on August 7, 2014. Also my great grandfather Samuel Miles writes in his journal about attending the funeral of the Prophet Joseph, in blog # 130. His life is covered in other blogs, # 128, and others in # 133, 134, etc.
If you look under "Prophet Joseph Smith" in the labels in these posts, you will find many interesting articles telling various things about him, and his life and family.
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