Little encouragement was left to those grief-stricken parents, for they knew so well that they were in the hands of a mob who had snatched and dragged them away as if they were murderers. Fresh to their minds was recalled a scene that took place in earlier days, when, close to their own thresholds, a demon in human form, in the dark hour of the night, had fired at their son, just barely missing him. There were fifty-six citizens thus dragged away from their homes, without any earthly hope of deliverance, only as in God they put their trust. Judge King said to H. C. Kimball: "Joe Smith is not fit to live." For further light concerning the good or evil wishes of this great mob of Missourians, we will now return to the public square to hear the abusive words of General Clark. Addressing the Mormons he said: "It now devolves upon you to fulfill a treaty that you have entered into. "1st.--Your leading men be given up to be tried according to the law. This you have already complied with. "2nd.--That you deliver up your arms. This has been attended to [which we did, surrounded by the mob, some of whom I heard say, 'Now we have got their arms, it is as good as death to them.'] "3rd.--That you sign over your properties to defray the expenses of the war. This you have also done. "4th.--That you leave the state forthwith. And whatever may be your feelings concerning this, or whatever your innocence, it is nothing to me. General Lucas (whose military rank is equal to mine) has made this treaty with you, and I approve of it. I should have done the same. I am determined to see it executed. The character of this state has suffered almost beyond redemption. And we deem it as an act of justice to restore her character to its former standing among the states by every proper means. The orders of the Governor to me were, that you should be exterminated, and not allowed to remain in the state. And had not your leaders been given up, and the terms of the treaty complied with, before this time you and your families would have been destroyed and your houses in ashes. "There is a discretionary power vested in my hands, which, considering your circumstances, I shall exercise for a season. You are indebted to me for this clemency. I do not say you shall go now, but you must not think if staying here another season or of putting in crops; for, if you do, the citizens will be upon you. If I am called here again in case of non-compliance of a treaty made, do not think that I shall do as I have done now. You need not expect any mercy, but extermination. For I am determined the Governor's orders shall be executed.