| 771 Again he wrote her on the 27th, the very day of his death. The letter contains instruction which shows he was in favor of being submissive to the authorities of the State. 4
On June 27, he wrote Lawyer Browning, of Quincy, requesting his service on the 29th. 5
On the 28th the bodies of the murdered men were brought to Nauvoo, where the funeral services were held, and they were buried from the Mansion House.
4 CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27, 1844, 20 past 8 a. m.
Dear Emma:-The Governor continues his courtesies and permits us to see our friends. We hear this morning that the Governor will not go down with his troops today (to Nauvoo) as was anticipated last evening but if he does come down with his troops you will be protected; and I want you to tell Bro. Dunham to instruct the people to stay at home and attend to their own business, and let there be no groups or gathering together, unless by permission of the Governor they are called together to receive communications from the Governor, which would please our people. But let the Governor direct. Bro. Dunham, of course, will obey the orders of the government officers and render them the assistance they require. There is no danger of any "exterminating order." Should there be a mutiny among the troops, (which we do not anticipate -excitement is abating,) a part will remain loyal and stand for the defense of the State and our rights. There is one principle which is eternal-it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of their households whenever necessity requires, and no power has a right to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive;-but I anticipate no such extreme. But caution is the parent of safety.
JOSEPH SMITH
P. S-Dear Emma:-I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified and have done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children and all my friends, Mr. Brower and all who inquire after me; and as for treason, I know that I have not committed any, and they cannot prove one appearance of anything of the kind, so you need not have any fears that any harm can happen to us on that score. May God bless you all. Amen. JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S.-Twenty minutes to ten.-I just learn that the Governor is about to disband his troops.-all but a guard to protect us and the peace,-and come himself to Nauvoo and deliver a speech to the people. This is right, as I suppose
This letter we have. The signature and first postscript in Joseph's handwriting.
5 CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27, 1844
Lawyer Browning; Sir:-Myself and brother Hyrum are in jail On charge of treason, to come up for examination on Saturday morning 29th inst., and we request your professional services at that time on our defense, without fail.
Most respectfully, your servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
N. B.-There is no cause of action, for we have not been guilty of any crime, neither is there any just cause of suspicion against us; but certain circumstances make your attendance very necessary. J. S.
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