The next day the fury of the mob was in no way abated and the Saints saw that their lives could be saved only by flight; consequently men, women and children fled from their homes, some in one direction and some in another. One large party of women and children, protected only by six men wandered into the prairie south, and their tracks could be followed by the blood stains on the ground, the prairie grass had been burnt, and the sharp stubble lacerated their uncovered feet, cutting and wounding them in a terrible manner; thus they wandered about for several days with nothing but the broad canopy of heaven to shelter them. Some went to the Missouri river intending to cross over into Clay county, for they had already proven that the people in the adjoining counties were far from being their friends. Thus homeless, and without means of taking much to sustain them did the whole Church in Jackson county flee before the mob, and at night those who went to the river camped in the rain which poured down in torrents; the frail mother, the helpless infant, the sick and the dying, all alike without the means to shelter themselves from the storm. One man by the name of Bennett opened his house to a number of women and children who were making their way to the Missouri. While this was going on, about one hundred of the brethren had volunteered to go to the protection of their brethren in Independence. When they had got within one mile of the place they halted and sent in to learn the situation of the mob. They found that Colonel Pitcher had put himself at the head of the mob and called them the militia, expecting by this stratagem to be able to better carry out the hellish plans of our enemies. Governor Boggs, also gave the mob his influence, and indeed it was thought he was the grand moving spirit through the whole affair. As the brethren in Independence were not in the danger that was reported, Colonel Wight thought it best to have his men remain in the woods around during the day. By some means Colonel Pitcher heard of this arrangement. He was both terrified and angry. He, however, sent to the brethren and demanded their arms, saying, that it was intended to disarm both parties; fifty-one guns, one sword and one pistol were delivered up to him, for although the brethren felt to resist the mob to the utmost in the defense of their wives and children, this demand being made under the color of law, it was complied with. But no sooner was this known than the mob broke forth from the ranks of the pretended militia and were bolder than ever. Knowing that the Saints were now without arms; they rode through the country in small bands pillaging houses, insulting women, whipping men and threatening two-fold vengeance. In the midst of this terrible excitement several of the leading Elders offered themselves and their lives, for their brethren if that would satisfy and let the rest remain in peace. The answer was, "No; but every one must die for himself."