| 480 part that would in anywise be required of us by disinterested men of republican principles.
"'I am respectfully, your obedient servant,
"'JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
"'N. B.-You are now corresponding with the Governor (as I am informed). Will you do us the favor to acquaint him of our efforts for a compromise? This information we want conveyed to the Governor, inasmuch as his ears are stifled with reports from Jackson of our hostile intentions, etc.'
"I left Rush Creek the same day, in company with David Whitmer and two other brethren, for the western part of Clay County. While traveling we called at a house for a drink of water. The women of the house shouted from the door that they had 'no water for Mormons, that they were afraid of the cholera,' etc. We turned and departed, according to the commandment, and before a week had passed the cholera entered that house, and that woman and three others of the family were dead.
"When the cholera made its appearance Elder John S. Carter was the first man who stepped forward to rebuke it, and upon this was instantly seized and became the first victim in the camp. He died about six o'clock afternoon; and Seth Hitchcock died in about thirty minutes after. As it was impossible to obtain coffins, the brethren rolled them in blankets, carried them on a horse sled about half a mile, buried them in the bank of a small stream which empties into Rush Creek, all of which was accomplished by dark. When they had returned from the burial, the brethren united, covenanted and prayed, hoping the disease would be staid; but in vain, for while thus covenanting, Eber Wilcox died; and while some were digging the grave others stood sentry with their firearms, watching their enemies. . .
"The cholera continued its ravages about four days, when an effectual remedy for their purging, vomiting, and cramping was discovered; viz., dipping the persons afflicted in cold water, or pouring it upon them. About sixty eight of the saints suffered from this disease, of which number thirteen died; viz., John S. Carter, Eber Wilcox, Seth Hitchcock,
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