"I would advise that Mr. Smith procure respectable and sufficient affidavits to prove beyond all question, that he was in the state (Illinois) and not in Missouri, at the time the crime with which he is charged was committed, and upon these affidavits, apply to the governor to countermand the warrant he has issued for his arrest. "If he should refuse to do so, I am clearly of the opinion that, upon the above state of facts, the supreme court will discharge him upon habeas corpus." Governor Carlin's attitude being unfavorable, no further action was taken until December, when the term of Carlin expired. On the 8th of that month Thomas Ford was inaugurated as the chief executive of Illinois. Immediately affidavits were obtained to prove beyond controversy that President Joseph Smith was in the state of Illinois on the 6th day of May, 1842, the day of the shooting of ex-Governor Boggs, but Governor Ford refused to interfere with the action of his predecessor. The supreme court being in session, he passed the case with all the papers up to them for a decision. The judges held that the writ was illegal, but were divided as to whether or not Ford should interfere. The governor thereupon addressed President Joseph Smith, December 17, 1842, stating that he had submitted the case to the supreme court of Illinois. The governor then said: "I can only advise that you submit to the laws and have a judicial investigation of your rights. If it should become necessary, for this purpose, to repair to Springfield, I do not believe that there will be a disposition to use illegal violence towards you; and I would feel it my duty in your case, as in the case of any other person, to protect you with any necessary amount of force from mob violence whilst asserting your rights before the courts, going to and returning." The Prophet Receives Advice Justin Butterfield, in a letter from Springfield of the same date, advised the Prophet to accept the suggestion of Governor Ford. He said the judges of the supreme court were unanimous in the opinion that he would be entitled to a discharge under a habeas corpus writ. Therefore he advised President Smith to go to Springfield without delay, for he had the right to bring the case before the United States court, which was then in session. "I will stand by you," he said, "and see you safely delivered from your arrest." Another letter was received from Judge James Adams, who greatly loved the Prophet. He said: "My Son: It is useless for me to detail facts that the bearer can tell. But I will say that it appears to my judgment that you had best make no delay in coming before the court at this place for a discharge under a habeas corpus." Joseph Smith Surrenders for Trial