| 702 "In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said [L. S.] court, at the city of Nauvoo, this 2d day of July, 1843.
"JAMES SLOAN, Clerk."
The foregoing account of the trial of Joseph Smith is taken from the Times and Seasons, volume 4, pages 242-278.
During the stay of Reynolds and Wilson in Nauvoo they were treated with the utmost kindness. The prophet himself took them to his own house and gave them the places of honor as his guests at his table. His wife waited upon them with her own hands. This was in marked contrast to their brutal conduct when they apprehended him near Dixon and dragged him ruthlessly from her presence.
After Joseph's release by the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, Governor Reynolds of Missouri requested Governor Ford of Illinois to call out the State militia to assist in rearresting him. This Governor Ford declined to do, and gave his reasons as follows:-
"Executive Department, SPRINGFIELD,
"Illinois, July 26,1843.
"To His Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of Missouri; Sir:-The demand of Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq., the agent appointed by you to receive Joseph Smith, Jr., for a detachment of militia to assist in retaking said Smith, has been duly considered by me, and I now, at the earliest moment, after coming to a conclusion on the subject, proceed to lay before you the result of my deliberations.
"The request for a military force is declined. The reasons which have influenced me in coming to the determination will be furnished to you at large, as soon as I can obtain leisure to do so. I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"THOMAS FORD.
--
"Executive Department, SPRINGFIELD,
"Illinois, August 14,1843.
"To His Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the State of Missouri; Sir:-On the 26th day of July last I had the honor to inform you by letter that after full consideration I
(page 702) |
