At this critical instant, the cocking of pistols, and the unsheathing of other implements of death, denoted desperation. One moved "adjournment," another cried "go on," and in the midst of this awful crisis a person bawled in at the door, "a man stabbed!" The mass instantly rushed out to the spot, in hopes, as some said, that "a Mormon had got killed," but as good luck would have it, only one Missourian had dirked another, (one Calbert, a blacksmith, had stabbed one Males, who had previously whipped one Mormon nearly to death, and boasted of having whipped many more). The wound was dangerous, but the incident appeared providential as it seemed as though the occurrence was necessary to break up the meeting without further bloodshed, and give the Saints a chance to consult what would be the most advisable thing to do in such a critical instant. They immediately penned the following answer to the propositions from Jackson county, presented by Mr. Owens _et al_. _Answer of the Mormons to the Proposition of the People of Jackson County_. Gentlemen--Your propositions for an adjustment of the difficulties between the citizens of Jackson county and the Mormons, is before us; and as explained to you in the court house this day, we are not authorized to say to you that our brethren will submit to your proposals; but we agree to spread general notice, and call a meeting of our people, the present week, and lay before you an answer as soon as Saturday or Monday next. We can say for ourselves, and in behalf of our brethren, that peace is what we desire and what we are disposed to cultivate with all men; and to effect peace, we feel disposed to use all our influence, as far as it will be required at our hands as free-born citizens of these United States; and as fears have been expressed, that we design hostilities against the inhabitants of Jackson county, we hereby pledge {99} ourselves to them, and to the hospitable citizens of Clay county, that we will not, and neither have we designed, as a people, to commence hostilities against the afore said citizens of Jackson county, or any other people. Our answer shall be handed to Judge Turnham, the chairman of the meeting, even earlier than the time before stated, if possible. (Signed) W. W. PHELPS, WM. E. M'LELLIN, A. S. GILBERT, JOHN CORRILL, ISAAC MORLEY. N.B.--As we are informed that large numbers of our people are on their way removing to Jackson county, we agree to use our influence immediately to prevent said company from entering into Jackson county, until you shall receive an answer to the propositions aforenamed. [Sidenote: Reflections on the Jackson County Proposition.]