| 595 William Law, H. C. Kimball, and President H. Smith. Several others spoke bearing testimony of the iniquity of those who had calumniated President J. Smith's character.
"Meeting adjourned for one hour.
"P. M. Meeting assembled pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the chairman.
"A petition was then received from a committee appointed by the city council for the reception, approbation, and signatures of the citizens generally, petitioning the Governor of Illinois for protection in our peaceable rights, which was read, and approved, and signed by eight hundred persons.
"ORSON SPENCER, EsQ., Chairman.
"GUSTAVUS HILLS, Clerk."
-Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 869.
In the same issue it is editorially stated that the "Ladies' Relief Society," and many citizens not members of the church, signed petitions to the same effect. 2
Thirteen members of the City Council published an affidavit to the effect that J. C. Bennett was not under duress when he made affidavit to the good character of Joseph Smith. 3
2 The "Ladies' Relief Society" also drew up a petition signed by about one thousand ladies, speaking in the highest terms of the virtue, philanthropy, and benevolence of Joseph Smith; begging that he might not be injured, and that they and their families might have the privilege of enjoying their peaceable rights. A petition was also drawn up by many citizens in and near Nauvoo, who were not Mormons, setting forth the same things.-Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 869.
3 AFFIDAVIT OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
We the undersigned, members of the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, testify that John C. Bennett was not under duress at the time that he testified before the City Council May 19, 1842, concerning Joseph Smith's innocence, virtue, and pure teaching. His statements that he has lately made concerning this matter are false; there was no excitement at the time, nor was he in anywise threatened, menaced, or intimidated. His appearance at the City Council was voluntary; he asked the privilege of speaking, which was granted. After speaking for some time on the city affairs, Joseph Smith asked him if he knew anything bad concerning his public or private character. He then delivered those statements contained in the testimony voluntarily, and of his own free will, and went of his own accord as free as any member of the council.
We do further testify that there is no such thing as a Danite society in
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