TO EMMA SMITH
1844 JUNE 27

ALS. Joseph Smith, Carthage, Illinois, to Emma Smith, Nauvoo, 27 June 1844, 2 pp., the non-holograph portions of the letter in hand of Willard Richards, RLDS Church Archives, Independence, Missouri.

At twenty-seven minutes past nine on the morning of 26 June according to Willard Richards's precise designations, Governor Ford and his aide, Colonel Thomas Geddes, arrived at the Carthage jail in response to Joseph Smith's request, whereupon a lengthy interview took place in which Joseph reviewed his course of action in the Expositor affair and received assurances of a fair trial. The rest of the day was highlighted by legal maneuverings and ominous reports of impending violence. At twenty minutes past six that evening, Joseph began dictating a letter to Emma but got no further than the date: "Carthage Jail, June 26th 1844, 20 Past 6 P. M." The next morning, the date and time were written over to read "27th" at "20 Past 8 A.M.," and Joseph finished dictating the letter. He then took the pen himself, added a postscript, and, shortly before ten, having just learned that the governor was about to disband most of the troops and depart for Nauvoo, dictated a second postscript. At 12:20 the Prophet sent a request for the professional services of Quincy lawyer Orville H. Browning.689

Carthage Jail Jun. 27th 1844,
20. Past 8. A M.

Dear Emma

The Gov continues his courtesies, and permits us to see our friends. We hear this morning that the Governor will not go down with his troops to day <(to Nauvoo)> as was anticipated last Evening but, if he does come down with his troops you will be protected, & I want you to tell Bro Dunham690 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 Gov they are called together to receive communications from the Gov which would please our people, but let the Gov. 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 defence of the state & our rights; There is one principle which is Eternal, it is the duty of all men to protect their lives from every and the lives of their households whenever occasion <necessity> requires. and no power has a right to forbidid it. when w|..|st should the last extreme arrive, but I anticipate no such extreme, but caution is the parent of safety.

Joseph Smith

PS 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 [p. 1] and all my Friends Mr Brower691 and all who in after inquire after me and as for treason I know that I have not commited any and they cannot prove one apearance of any thing of the kind So you need not have any fears that any harme can happen to us on that score may God bll bless you all Amen

Joseph Smith

P. S. 20 mi[n] to 10-I just learn that the Govrnor 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. [p. 2]

Mrs Emma Smith

Nauvoo.

per Mr Joel S. Miles [p. 3]