In addition to this loss of property, the Prophet Joseph paid in lawyers' fees, for the defense of the people and himself, against the unhallowed persecutions of their enemies, about fifty thousand dollars; with very little benefit in return. And for all this, the generous state of Missouri, for a show before the world of their charity and kindness toward the people they had robbed, could afford to appropriate the magnificent sum of two thousand dollars! And what of the blood of men, women and children which had been shed by these human fiends? In Liberty Prison After the mock trial in Richmond, Joseph Smith and his five companions were imprisoned in Liberty, Clay County, for a period of six months. Here they suffered, during that time, many untold hardships. Much of the time they were bound in chains. Their food was often not fit to eat, and never wholesome or prepared with the thought of proper nourishment. Several times poison was administered to them in their food, which made them sick nigh unto death, and only the promised blessings of the Lord saved them. Their bed was on the floor, or on the flat side of a hewn white oak log, and in this manner they were forced to suffer. Is it any wonder that they cried in the anguish of their souls unto the Lord, for relief from such inhuman treatment? Epistles From Prison The Lord did not forsake them. While they were confined, the brethren wrote a number of communications to the Saints. Occasionally their friends were privileged to visit them, but always in the presence of a strong and heavily armed guard. Letters with words of comfort were occasionally received, and in this way their spirits were buoyed up, which enabled them to stand their trials. On March 25, 1839, an epistle of special import was written from the prison to the Saints scattered abroad, and to the bishop, Edward Partridge, in particular. This epistle portrayed many of their grievances and expressed their love and fellowship for the Saints. Above all this, however, they poured out their souls to the Lord asking for relief, and wondering why they were so severely punished. The Lord gave them answer which comforted them and built them up in hope. They also received encouragement, and assurance of their delivery from bonds, which was soon to come to pass.[1] Release of Sidney Rigdon