History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5Smith, Joseph, Jr.
History
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
I spent the day at Uncle John Smith's in Zarahemla, and sent word that
I wished to see Emma, Brothers Hyrum Smith, William Law and others,
with instructions to meet me on the island between Nauvoo and Montrose.
After dark, Emma, Hyrum, William Law, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller,
William Clayton, and Dimick Huntington, met at the waterside near
the brick store, and proceeded in a skiff between the islands until
they arrived near the lower {90} end; and then hailed to shore. After
waiting a very little while, the skiff arrived from the opposite shore,
and in it were myself, and Brother Erastus H. Derby. A council was then
held in the skiffs, and various statements set forth in regard to the
state of things. It was reported that the governor of Iowa had issued
a warrant for my apprehension, and that of Orrin P. Rockwell, and that
the sheriff of Lee county was expected down immediately; very strong
evidence was also manifested that Governor Reynolds of Missouri was not
acquainted with these proceedings; that ex-Governor Boggs had made oath
before a justice of the peace or a judge, and that the judge had made
the requisition, and not Governor Reynolds, also that the writ issued
by Carlin was illegal and unjustifiable. It is absolutely certain
that the whole business is another glaring instance of the effects of
prejudice against me as a religious teacher, and that it proceeds from
a persecuting spirit, the parties have signified their determination to
have me taken to Missouri, whether by legal or illegal means. It was
finally concluded that I should be taken up the river in a skiff, and
be landed below Wiggan's farm, so called, and that I should proceed
from thence to Brother Edward Sayers, and there abide for a season.
This being concluded upon, we separated, myself and Brother Derby being
rowed up the river by Brother Dunham, and the remainder crossed over to
Nauvoo. It was agreed that Brother Albert P. Rockwood should proceed
up the river on shore to the place where the skiff should stop, and
there light up two fires as a signal for a stopping place. After the
boat had proceeded some distance above the city, a fire was discovered
on shore. We concluded that it was the signal and immediately rowed
towards shore. When near the shore one of the company hailed a person
on the banks, but received a very unsatisfactory answer, whereupon we
turned about and put to the channel, and upon coming near the middle of
the {91} river, discovered two fires a little higher up the stream. We
immediately steered towards the fires and were happy to find Brother
Rockwood awaiting our arrival. We then proceeded through the timber
to Brother Sayers' house, where we were very kindly received and made
welcome.
Judge Ralston and Lawyer Powers departed, each for home, expressing
their perfect willingness to aid us in every possible manner. Judge
Ralston also promised to ascertain the state of affairs in Quincy, and
give us the earliest information.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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