Historian's Office, Great Salt Lake City, June 30th, 1856 Elder John Taylor, Dear Brother, We are very busy writing the history of the latter days of Joseph, and we have a great many conflicting statements on the subject, which renders it necessary for me to call in the aid of an eye and ear witness to enable me to do justice to it. You are the only person on earth who can render me this assistance; I shall therefore feel obliged if you ...

Two sets of messengers were sent from Carthage on the evening of the 27th with the melancholy news to Nauvoo. What were their names, distinguishing those who were turned back by Governor Ford? Dan Jones makes the following statement: "We were awoke [during the night of the 26th] by heavy treads as of soldiery close by, and heard a whispering under the window 'who shall go in? how many shall go in? &c'. They came up stairs to the prison door, ^against^ which we had taken ...

Gov came here to enforce the law on all people. Gov expressed his feelings about the destruction of the press. Joseph—spoke of imprisonment in Mo— Ford spoke of the Constitution Joseph said we were willing to pay for it if it were intended to resist the Gov of the state. ^treason^ if People believed they were endeavoring to defend themselves it was all right. 1/4 past 10 A.M. Gov left. 1/2 past 12 noon. Reed said he had got the magistrate on a pin hook the magistrate had committed them without ...

to return with him, although he had promised that they should go. With a letter of importance I saw myself driven from Carthage, galloping through the masses of mostly soldiers, half Indians and semi barbarians. I hurried across the prairie, had gone down on a boat from Nauvoo towards Quincy, but while landed at Warsaw awoke in the midst of powder, smoke, death, and carnage." After he had finished the recital of the dream he says that Joseph remarked, "that is ...

Law read was stated by Reed to belong to civil not criminal cases. State insisted to have a commission crime acknowledged. Court asked if the parties admitted there was sufficient cause to bind over [blank] and the council admitted there was sufficient cause to bind over [blank] with cognizance in common form. Court acknowledged the admission and ordered cognizances at 5 p.m." You will not doubt be able to tax your memory sufficiently to fill up these blanks. Do you know anything of a petition which was drawn up on the 27th at

Wood - without Knowledge were they committed — to jail. Reed — urged a continuance till witnesses could be had. 15 to 5 - o'clock. Skinner suggested 12 tomorrow Wood proposed till witnesses could be got. till tomorrow any time & adjourn if they are not ready - without bringing in the prisoners. Reed—hoped no compulsory measures should be made use of in this enlightened country. Skinner—if witnesses cannot be had after due dilligence a continuance will be granted. Court said this writ was served yesterday—will give till tomorrow 12 noon to get witnesses." ...