| 359 from different branches volunteered for the protection of their brethren near Independence, and proceeded on the road towards Independence and halted about one mile west of the village, where they awaited further information concerning the movements of the mob. They soon learned that the prisoners were not massacred, and that the mob had not fallen upon the branch of the church near Independence, as was expected. They were also informed that the militia had been called out for their protection; but in this they placed but little confidence, for the body congregated had every appearance of a county mob, which subsequent events fully verified in a majority of said body.
"On application to Colonel Pitcher it was found that there was no alternative but for the church to leave the county forthwith and deliver into his hands certain men, to be tried for murder said to have been committed by them in the battle the evening before. The arms of the saints were also demanded by Colonel Pitcher. Among the committee appointed to receive the arms of the church were several of the most unrelenting of the old July mob committee who had directed in the demolishing of the printing office and the personal injuries of that day; viz., Henry Chiles, Abner Staples, and Lewis Franklin, who have not ceased to pursue the saints from the first to the last with feelings of the most hostile kind. These unexpected requisitions of the Colonel made him appear like one standing at the head of civil and military law, taking a stretch beyond the constitutional limits of our republic.
"Rather than have submitted to these unreasonable requirements, the saints would have cheerfully shed their blood in defense of their rights, the liberties of their country, and of their wives and children; but the fear of violating law in resisting this pretended militia, and the flattering assurances of protection and honorable usage promised by Lieut. Governor Boggs, in whom they had reposed confidence up to this period, induced them to submit, believing that he did not tolerate so gross a violation of all law as has been practiced in Jackson County. But the great change that may appear to some. in the views, designs, and craft of this
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