January 10, 1843, John C. Bennett sent a communication from Springfield to Sidney Rigdon, and addressed to Rigdon and Orson Pratt, in which he states that he was leaving for Missouri to confer with the messenger charged with the arrest of Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, and others, who would be demanded in a few days on the old charge of "murder, burglary, treason, etc." This was on the new indictments found by the grand jury and based on the original evidence. He said: "We shall try Smith on the Boggs case, when we get him into Missouri. The war goes bravely on; and although Smith thinks he is now safe, the enemy is near, even at the door." Moreover, he stated that they had the assurance that the governor of Illinois would acknowledge the new demand. "There is but one opinion on the case," he wrote, "and that is, nothing can save Joe on a new requisition and demand predicated on the old charges on the institution of new writs. He must go to Missouri; but he shall not be harmed if he is not guilty; but he is a murderer, and must suffer the penalty of the law." A postscript requested that Sidney Rigdon hand the letter to Orson Pratt. After reading it, Sidney Rigdon did as he was requested, but Orson Pratt immediately took the letter to President Joseph Smith and informed him that he was not in league with such a character as Bennett. Bennett wrote to these men knowing that at the time they were both lukewarm towards the work, and that Orson Pratt, for disobedience, had been handled for his fellowship. Following this episode, Orson Pratt was received back in the fellowship of the Church. For some time previous to this incident, Sidney Rigdon had failed to magnify his calling and had gone contrary to counsel. When confronted with the letter from Bennett he denied having had any correspondence with him. Rejoicing in Nauvoo When President Smith returned to Nauvoo, from his trial, there was great rejoicing. Tuesday, January 17, 1843, was set apart by the apostles as a "day of humiliation, fasting, praise, prayer and thanksgiving" before the Lord. Many public meetings were held throughout the city. One public gathering of this kind was held at the home of President Joseph Smith. The following day a party of invited guests assembled at his home to celebrate his deliverance from his enemies. The day passed very pleasantly; many interesting anecdotes were related, and what added interest to the occasion was the fact that it was the fifteenth anniversary of the Prophet's wedding day. Notes 1. For the full decision, which should be read see _Documentary History of the Church_, vol. 5:223-231. See also pages 233-244 for papers on the trial. Chapter 32 Doctrinal Development and Prophecy 1843 A Brief Period of Peace