place from Nauvoo either for trial or as witnesses for the accused."_ The same day (June 22) the Prophet respectfully replied to this cravenly penned communication, defending his course and denying the false accusations contained in the governor's letter. He called attention to the promises made in Missouri, but when witnesses came they were cast into prison, and since "a burnt child dreads the fire," they were not to be blamed if they refused to place themselves in the hands of a blood-thirsty mob openly making threats to take their lives. The Prophet expressed a willingness to go before any other justice in the state, except at Carthage, or before the circuit court, but did not feel legally bound to go to Carthage to be butchered. The governor's letter to Joseph Smith caused no small surprise among the Saints. It was evident that they could not look to him for help, for he had joined himself entirely with their enemies. He had ignored the law; refused to recognize the legality of the courts, and the right of a fair and impartial trial before an unprejudiced judge and jury. Hyrum Refuses to Leave his Brother So serious had the matter become that a letter was sent to President Brigham Young and the apostles who were in the mission field, instructing them to return to Nauvoo at once. The Prophet had previously (June 20) advised his brother Hyrum to take his family and go at once by steamboat to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied: "Joseph, I can't leave you," whereupon Joseph remarked to his brethren, "I wish I could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you and see it out." The Proposed Journey to the West