_Resolved_, That having heard that John C. Bennett was circulating many base falsehoods respecting a number of the citizens of Nauvoo, and especially against our worthy and respected Mayor, Joseph Smith, we do hereby manifest to the world, that so far as we are acquainted with Joseph Smith, we know him to be a good, moral, virtuous, peaceable and patriotic man, and a firm supporter of law, justice and equal rights; that he at all times upholds and keeps inviolate the constitution of this state and the United States. This resolution was adopted unanimously by the numerous assembly. The assembly came together in the afternoon, and {71} about eight hundred signed the foregoing petition presented by the city council to Governor Carlin. The "Ladies Relief Society" also drew up a petition signed by about one thousand ladies, speaking in the highest terms of the virtue, philanthropy and benevolence of Joseph Smith, begging that he might not be injured, and that they and their families might have the privilege of enjoying their peaceable rights. A petition was also drawn up by many citizens in and near Nauvoo, who were not "Mormons" setting forth the same things. (See affidavits of Hyrum Smith and William Law _Times and Seasons_, Vol. III, page 870, &c. Also certificates of Elias Higbee and Francis M. Higbee, _Times and Seasons_, Vol. III, page 874.) [A] [Footnote A: The matters of which these affidavits treat are of such importance in the CHURCH HISTORY, since they establish the villainy of John C. Bennett and prove the Prophet to be innocent of those things charged against him by Bennett that it is thought proper to give them here _in extenso_, as also an extract from an editorial from the _Times and Seasons_, explaining the long forbearance with this arch-apostate and traitor.] _Affidavit of Hyrum Smith_.