Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
Parker issued a proclamation calling upon the mobs in the name of the
state and by virtue of his authority, to disperse. Carlin and his crowd
answered by a counter proclamation, stating that they would consider
the government forces as a mob. Parker wrote to Singleton desiring a
compromise without shedding blood. Articles of agreement requiring all
the Saints to leave Nauvoo within sixty days, were drawn up and signed
by Singleton and Chittenden for the mob, and Major Parker and three
others for the government forces. In this manner Parker treated the
mobbers as his equals and agreed to their terms.
Threats Against the Saints
It appears that the object for which the mob forces were ostensibly
raised was entirely forgotten, and no more was heard of the resistance
of the officers by Pickett, but the attacking forces now determined
that all the "Mormons" should go. Singleton in his communication to
Parker said: "When I say to you, the 'Mormons' must go, I speak the
mind of the camp and the country. They can leave without force or
injury to themselves or their property, but I say to you sir, with all
candor, they shall go--they may fix the time within sixty days, or I
will fix it for them."
Attack Upon Nauvoo
These terms did not satisfy the mob. Sixty days was too long a time
for them to wait for the departure of the remnant of the "Mormons"
that they might plunder and rob, and besides they thirsted for blood.
Singleton and Chittenden withdrew from the command of the mob forces,
and wrote to Parker saying that the mob had rejected their treaty,
which they considered reasonable enough. Carlin, the constable,
thereupon placed Thomas S. Brockman in command, and gave orders for
the mob to march. Parker also withdrew from service and Major Benjamin
Clifford, Jr., took command of the government forces at Nauvoo by a
commission from Governor Ford. September 10, Brockman and his mob
approached Nauvoo. Many of the new citizens, seeing the danger they
were in, fled from the city, leaving but a small force of volunteers to
aid Major Clifford in the defense of Nauvoo. The defenders converted
some steamboat shafts into cannon and threw up some fortifications on
the north side of Mulholland street facing the mob. This small force
made a determined stand, although outnumbered two or three to one. On
the 10th, 11th and 12th, there was desultory firing on both sides. On
Saturday the 12th Brockman sent a communication "to the commander of
the 'Mormon' forces in Nauvoo," demanding a surrender and the delivery
of arms, to be returned as soon as the "Mormons" had crossed the river
and were out of the state. The same day Major Clifford replied stating
that there was no "commander of 'Mormon' forces" in that place; that
he was there "by order of the governor and commander-in-chief of the
Illinois militia to disperse your (Brockman's) forces in the name of
the people of Illinois." The reply continued: "So far I have acted on
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