Doctor John C. Bennett came to Nauvoo in August, 1841, and joined the Church. Through his zealous activity in assisting to procure the Nauvoo Charter, he was honored by the citizens in the first election, by being chosen mayor of Nauvoo. He also rose to prominence in the councils of the Church, and appeared to be a firm believer in the Gospel, and a staunch friend to President Joseph Smith. Not many months later, however, through immoral conduct, he lost the spirit of the Gospel, and likewise his love for President Joseph Smith. His case is an illustration of the truth, that the Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in an unholy tabernacle. When men transgress the Holy Spirit withdraws, and the light in them turns to darkness. The first intimation that all was not well with Dr. Bennett was made manifest to the Prophet May 7, 1842, after a drill and sham battle by the Nauvoo Legion. This event had been under preparation since the previous January, and it was the intention of all to make it a grand success. In the forenoon of that day there was a parade of the legion, some twenty-six companies, comprising about two thousand troops. Judge Stephen A. Douglas, who was holding court at Carthage, adjourned, and with some leading attorneys, went to Nauvoo to witness the military maneuvers of the legion. While there he was the guest of President Joseph Smith. The day passed harmoniously without confusion. A large company of spectators and distinguished strangers had assembled to witness the sham battle. Dr. Bennett who was major general of the legion requested President Smith as lieutenant general to take command of the first cohort during the sham battle. But this the Prophet declined to do. Bennett next requested him to take his station in the rear of the cavalry without his staff, while the engagement was going on; but Captain Albert P. Rockwood of the Prophet's body guard would not consent, and kept close by his leader's side, who chose his own position. The Spirit of the Lord whispered to Joseph Smith that all was not well, and after the day's celebration was over he said, "If General Bennett's true feelings toward me are not made manifest to the world in a very short time, then it may be possible that the gentle breathings of that Spirit which whispered to me on parade, that there was mischief concealed in that sham battle, were false; a short time will determine the point. Let John C. Bennett answer at the day of judgment: Why did you request me to command one of the cohorts, and also to take my position without my staff, during the sham battle, on the 7th of May, 1842, where my life might have been the forfeit, and no man have known who did the deed?" Bennett's Resignation