But if there should be any truth in the charge, (which God forbid.) I affectionately entreat all the good citizens engaged in it to lay aside their designs and yield up their ears to the voice of justice, reason, and humanity. All that I can do at present is to admonish both parties to beware of carrying matters to extremity. Let it come to this--let a state of war ensue, and I will be compelled to interfere with executive power. In that case also, I wish, in a friendly, affectionate, and candid manner, to tell the citizens of Hancock County, _Mormons_ and all, that my interference will be against those who shall be the first transgressors. I am bound by the laws and Constitution to regard you all as citizens of the State, possessed of equal rights and privileges, and to cherish the rights of one as dearly as the rights of another. I can know no distinction among you except that of assailant and assailed. I hope, dear sir, you will do me the favor to publish this letter in the papers of your county, for the satisfaction of all persons concerned. I am, with the highest respect, Your obedient servant, THOMAS FORD. _Tuesday 30.--_At eleven, a.m., I went into the office with Colonel Jackson. One, p.m., held mayor's court at my office, on the case "City _versus_ Thomas Coates." Fined the defendant $25 and costs for beating John Ellison. A Millerite preached again in the assembly room, and Elder Rigdon replied to him. There was a full house. Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's. [Sidenote: Winchester's Mission to Warsaw.] _Wednesday, 31.--_Eleven, a.m., I called at the office, and told Benjamin Winchester to go to Warsaw and preach the first principles of the Gospel, get some lexicons, and return home. {191} Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's in the evening. There seems to be quite a revival throughout Nauvoo, and an inquiry after the things of God, by all the quorums and the Church in general. [Sidenote: Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania.] Sidney Rigdon published a lengthy appeal to the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, setting forth in pathetic style the grievances he had suffered through the persecution against the Church by the State of Missouri, which concludes as follows:-- _Peroration of Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania_.