2 January 1844, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 86

Clayton sold Willard Richards two lots for $500. For some reason, recorded but unexplained, this displeased the prophet and Clayton received a scolding.
Allen 1, p. 44

Sometimes, however, he did not please the church leader, such as on 2 January 1844 when he sold Willard Richards's two lots for $500. For some reason, recorded Clayton, ``this did not please the Prest. & he scolded.''

9 January 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 9th. At Prest. J's settling with E. Robinson & Lawrence
&c -- P.M. Got Lawrence's account from Yearsley ... J. sent for me to make out Maria Lawrence account

10 January 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 10th. At Prest J's all day Finished settlement with E Robinson & passed receipts in full. After posted Books & prepared accounts for settlement on Lawrence Estate

15 January 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 15th. At Prest Js all day. P.M settled with the Lawrence Estate

17 January 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 17. At Prest J's all day, settled with John Lytle. Gave him a deed of L3 B123 and took his due bill for 28.93 Evening attended Lodge.

22 January 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

A.M at Prest J's. commenced taking inventory of Goods, Groceries &c for J. and settling with E. Robinson who has this day rented the ``Mansion House'' for $1000. pr anum & some other matters. P.M. bro. Cahoon came to my house to say that a vote had been taken on my being admitted into the quourm & I was accepted. This filled my heart with joy, and gratitude for truly the mercy of the Lord and the kindness of my brethren have been great to me. ... 23 January 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 23rd. At Prest. Js all day taking inventory and trying to conclude the transfer to E. Robinson ... J. sent for me to assist in settleing with bro Taylor about the Lawrence Estate. --

25 January 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 25. ... P.M. sis Durphy came to make my Robe & Garment. I was at Prest. Js.

29 January 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 29. At Prest. J's in Council with the Twelve on the subject of running J for President of U.S. J. said he would have to send me out on a mission. P.M. at his house Evening attended & after had some conversation with Desdemona C. Fullmer. She has treated my family unfeelingly and unkindly in various ways & I requested her to look out for another home. She said she would not untill she had council from J.

30 January 1844, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 114

When a certain man from Quincy, for example, began to tantalize the prophet in January 1844, Clayton was delighted to hear the church leader tell the offender, ``In the name of the Lord'' that not many years would pass away before he was in the hands of the devil himself.

3 February 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

... P.M. was permitted to the ordinance of washing and anointing,
and was received into the Quorum of Priesthood. This is one of the greatest favors ever conferred on me and for which I feel grateful. May the God of Joseph preserve me & mine house to walk in the paths of reghteousness all the days of my life & oh that I may never sin against him or displease him For thou oh God knowest my desire to do right that I may have eternal life.

4 February 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 4th At home all day. Evening attended quorum.--

10 February 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 10th. At Prests all day Recording Deeds Evening attended quorum.

11 February 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 11th. At home all day. evening I attended quorum but we did not organize. 17 February 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 17. At Prest. Js all day. Evening with Cahoon at J's. Emma talked a good deal about B. Young & others.

18 February 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 18th. About 12 A.M. M began to be sick and continued to grow worse until 5 o clock when she was delivered of a son. She did remarkably well for which I thank my heavenly father. Mother attended her. I was at home all day. M. seems to do very well-

25 February 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 25th. A.M. at the Temple Heard Pres J. preach. P.M. met singers &c Evening attended quorum. Prest J. gave some important instructions - we had an interesting season.[session?]

3 March 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 3rd. ... Evening attended Q.

9 March 1844, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 114

Clayton saw the prophet in every mood and seemingly loved him the more for each one. On occasion he found him weeping, ...

10 March 1844, Sunday
Council of 50, p. 266

Sunday, March 10. ... Evening attended Council with the First Presidency and the Twelve on important business arrising from a letter from the Pine Country. Bro., W. Richards was appointed Chairman and myself, was appointed Clerk.
Allen 1, p. 45

The philosophical roots for the organization of the Council of Fifty reached back many years, and were directly related to the millennial expectations of the church. The immediate impetus, however, came from two letters signed by Lyman Wight and four other brethern who were working in the church's lumber camps in Black River Falls, Wisconsin Territory. These were read at a special meeting of the Twelve, Bishop George Miller, and the Nauvoo Temple Committee on the evening of 10 March 1844. The letters proposed a grandiose plan for Mormon colonization in the Southwest, and led to an important discussion where, according to Clayton, ``many great and glorious ideas were advanced.''

11 March 1844, Monday 39
Council of 50, p. 266 Monday, March 11. In Council again all day - as last night many great and glorious ideas were advanced, we had a very profitable time. We organized into a Council and I was admitted a member. I will here name whose names were put on the list of members of this important organization: Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, W. Richards, P.P. Pratt, O. Pratt, J. Taylor, H.C. Kimball, G.A. Smith, W.W. Phelps, L. Woodworth, G. Miller, A. Badlam, P. Haws, Erastus Snow, R. Cahoon, Amos Fielding, A. Cutler, Levi Richards, N.K. Whitney, J.M. Bernhisel, L.D. Wason myself ...

13 March 1844, Wednesday
Council of 50, p. 266

Wednesday March 13. ... At 11 the Council was called together, ... P.M. in council again, also in the evening O. Hyde, W. Woodruff, and James Emmett were admitted members. The Pres. appointed W. Richards Recorder, and me the Clerk of the Kingdom.

14 March 1844, Thursday
Council of 50, p. 267

Thursday March 14. In Council all day again

19 March 1844, Tuesday
Council of 50, p. 267

Tuesday March 19. At the Council meeting, S. Bent, Uriah Brown, Samuel James, John D. Parker, O.P. Rockwell, Sidney Rigdon, Wm Marks and O. Spencer were admitted members.

21 March 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

At the Council all day ...

22 March 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 22nd. P.M. met the Twelve in prayer at B. Youngs.

23 March 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 23rd. A.M. rode with Pres. J. and bro. Neibaru to Doctor Fosters. He was gone to appanose & his wife was at Mr Gilmans. We went down their and saw her. Prest. J. asked sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an immoral or indecent act. She answered no He then explained his reasons for asking and then asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to her, she answered, never. He further asked if he ever preached any thing like the spiritual wife doctrine to her only what he had preached in public. She said no! He asked her if he ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her and especially when he took dinner during the Doctors absence. She said no. After some further conversation on the subject we left. Mrs Gilman was present all the time

24 March 1844, Sunday Nauvoo 2

Sunday 24th ... A.M. ... went to the Temple heard Pres. J. speak a little also O. Spencer and S. Rigdon

26 March 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

In Council through the day ...

29 March 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 29th ... night clothed & offered up prayer for W. Heber /his child was sick with the measles like the rest of them only worse/

4 April 1844, Thursday
Council of 50, p. 267

Thursday, April 4. In Council of the Kingdom. Eleven Lamanites appeared and wanted council. We had a very pleasant and impressive interview.

7 April 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 7. At the conference all day A.M. Er Rigdon preached. P.M. Prest Hyrum talked on spiritual wives & after Joseph discoursed on the dead 40
Words, p. 362

Joseph discoursed on the dead

8 April 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 8 Er G. J. Adams preached P.M. attended Ers conference

11 April 1844, Thursday
Council of 50, p. 267

Thursday, April 11. ... Afterwards in the Council. We had a glorious interview. Pres. J. was voted our P. P. & K. with loud Hosannas.

13 April 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 13. A.M at Prest Js recording Deeds. He prophecied the entire overthrow of this nation in a few years

18 April 1844, Thursday
Council of 50, p. 267

Thursday April 18. ... At 9 met in Council. This day Pres. J. introduced J. W. Coolidge and D. S. Hollister and added L. Wight's name, and then declared the council full. The names as they now stand of those who have called upon to form the grand K. of G. by revelation are as follows:
1. Prest J. Smith. Standing Chairman

2. Samuel Bent
65
27. P.B. Lewis
40

3. John Smith
62
28. Elias Smith
39

4. Alpheus Cutler
60
29. O Hyde
39

5. Uriah Brown
59
30. Saml James
38

6. Reynolds Cahoon
54
31. W. Woodruff
37

7. Ezra Thayre
53
32. P.P.Pratt
36

8. Wm W. Phelps
52
33. Edwd Bonny
36

9. Amos Fielding
51
34. D.D. Yearsley
36

10. Wm Marks
51
35. D.S. Hollister
35

11. Sidney Rigdon
51
36. John Taylor
35

12. John P. Green
51
37. Alex Badlam
35

13. Geo Miller
50
38. C.C. Rich
34

14. N.K. Whitney
49
39. G.J. Adams
33

15. Peter Haws
48
40. Orson Pratt
33

16. Jos. Fielding
46
41. M.G. Eaton
32

17. C.P. Lott
45
42. A. Babbet
31

18. Levi Richards
44
43. A. Lyman
30

19. J.M. Bernhisel
44
44. J.W. Coolidge
30

20. J.D. Parker
44
45. O.P. Rockwell
29

21. H. Smith
44
46. G.A. Smith
26

22. L. Woodworth
44
47. E. Snow
25

23. B. Young
42
48. L.D. Wason
24

24. H.C. Kimball
42
49. B.F. Johnson
24

25. O. Spencer
42
50. W. Clayton Clerk

26. J. Emmett
41
51. W. Richards Recorder,
52. L. Wight

During the day much precious instructions were given, and it seems like heaven began on earth and the power of God is with us.

18 April 1844
Nauvoo 2

... Sarah Cook has been at my house to day & before she left again she shewed her enmity to Joseph & others in full. She has got a wicked spirit in her & will be cursed if she do not repent. 41

I also attended in council with the Twelve & High Council on the case of the Laws & R.D. Foster - when Wm Law & his wife Jane Law - Wilson Law and R. D. Foster were cut off from the church by unanimous vote.

25 April 1844, Thursday Nauvoo 2; Council of 50, p. 268

Thursday. April 25th In Council all day. Adjourned sine die

28 April 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 28th ... Sister Mary Wood came evening attended quorum. We united for Prest. J. the Church - the presidency contests the Lawsuits. the apostates -- the sick &c &c. We had a good time. Prest J was not there

1 May 1844, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 87, p. 107 n. 15

Clayton was preparing the papers for the transfer of the Maid of Iowa to the trustee-in-trust.

2 May 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 2nd. A.M. preparing to go to Dixon. went to Prest J's and he desired me to go to Mr Laws to find out why they refused to pay their note. I went with Moon /Moore ?/ and asked Wi[l]son what he meant by saying he had got accounts to balance the note. He seemed to tremble with anger & replied that he had demands for his services when he was ordered to call out the Legion to go and meet Smith besides money which he expended at that time. I told him that was a new idea & that Genl Smith had had no intimation of any such thing. Wm Law came in and mentioned $400 wich was borrowed of Baily $300 of which I am satisfied was paid, and the $100 Wm Law said he would pay and give it to help defray the expense of the persecution but /marginal note: 1843 Dixon arrest/ he now demands the $100 and some more of the $300. --On the whole this is to me a certain evidence of the meanness of the men and a proof that they also are disposed to oppress & persecute those who have invariably befriended them & saved them from the public indignation. I returned & told J. what had passed & he ordered Dr Richards to sue the notes & also gave Moore his own note for $200. payable 6 mo after date.
Allen 2, p. 97

On Thursday, May 2, Clayton spent the morning prepering to board the Maid of Iowa, but he was interrupted by the need to take care of several business items for the prophet. He had to rush to be at the dock by twelve minutes to ten, when the little river boat departed upstream. Joseph and Emma were there to say goodby.

3 May 1844, Friday
Allen 2, p. 97

By Friday night the Maid was steaming up the Rock River,...

4 May 1844, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 97

... but on Saturday night it was stopped by rapids about twelve miles below Dixon.

5 May 1844, Sunday
Allen 2, p. 97

The next morning Clayton and Markham decided to finish the trip on foot--the wisdom of which was confirmed by their discovery that another steamer was stuck in the rapids a little ways above them. They arrived in Dixon about mid-morning and, to their suprise, found that the people of Dixon were not as friendly as expected. The reason, Clayton speculated, was that the Mormons were supporting Joseph Smith rather than Martin Van Buren for the presidency of the United States.

6 May 1844, Monday
Allen 2, p. 97

A second purpose of the trip to Dixon was to buy corn, and on Monday, after determining that the court would not bring up Joseph Smith's case that day, Clayton bought nearly 300 bushels and helped load it on a flatboat they had rented for $2.

8 May 1844, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 97

Clayton spent the next two days waiting impatiently in the Dixon courtroom. ``I want to be away from this place,'' he wrote on May 8, ``for I do not like their spirit, and I feel very uneasy about my family.''

9 May 1844, Thursday
Allen 2, p. 97

When the case was finally called up and a jury impanelled on May 9, Clayton expressed dismay, for he believed that about half the prospective jurors had to be dismissed because of their prejudices. ``Even some that did sit acknowledged that they were much prejudiced,'' he wrote. ``What a disgrace to a town to think that men will let their prejudice run so high against a man from rumor and report that they cannot do him justice.'' Clearly William's own prejudices tinted his view of the Dixonites, and one can imagine the fervor with which he defended both Joseph and the faith in a discussion that took place that evening. ``We had a very interesting debate with two gentlemen on our religion,'' he said, ``wherein truth appeared doubly beautiful and error equally ridiculous.''

Witnesses were examined all afternoon, and by 6 p.m. the trial was over and the jury given its charge.

10 May 1844, Friday
Allen 2, p. 98

The next morning the verdict came, and, much to Clayton's delight, the jury had decided in favor of Joseph Smith. The prophet was awarded $40 damages, and court costs were assessed against Reynolds and Wilson. But Clayton was still unimpressed with the people of Dixon. ``We were credibly informed,'' he recorded, ``that the jury quarrelled very hard almost to a fight and did not agree on their verdict until after sunrise this morning. We were glad to see truth and virtue again triumph over tyranny and oppression & equally disgusted to witness the effects of prejudice in the jury Box. We filed our bills of costs hired a team to take us to the boat and at 10 we left Dixon, and felt truly glad to be released from such superstitious prejudice and corrupt hypocrisy.''

About eighteen miles downstream they boarded the Maid of Iowa.

11 May 1844, Sunday
Allen 2, p. 98

The next day, Sunday, they took on 280 sacks of wheat. About mid-afternoon the boat became hung up on the rapids. Sunday morning they were still stuck and sent for a flatboat onto which they began to unload their cargo. Finally, about 3 p.m., the steamer floated, but only at the cost of a near-tragedy. Three men in a small skiff were attempting to help them weigh anchor, and as the boat began to float the skiff capsized. Fortunately the rocks prevented it from sinking completely, and two of the men were eventually able to row it to shore. The other clung to the anchor cable and got himself aboard the steamer. They finally got the anchor up and floated downriver to a place where they could reload the cargo and continued on their way.

13 May 1844, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 98

The rest of the trip was uneventful, and at 5:30 in the afternoon of May 13 Clayton arrived in Nauvoo and reported his success to the president of the church.

21 May 1844, Wednesday
Allen 1, p. 57; Allen 2, p. 150 n. 77

On 21 May 1844, ... Clayton reported that when Joseph had ridden outside of Nauvoo to keep away from an officer with a subpoena, he sent Clayton to find out how Emma felt about Joseph returning home. ``I found her crying with rage and fury because he had gone away,'' he said. ``She wanted him to go home. I came and told him & he returned home at 9 o clock.'' What Clayton did not report was that Emma was very ill at the time and Joseph was evidently worried about her. See Smith, History of the Church, 6:398-99.

25 May 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 25. A.M. at Prest J's Also P.M in council with the quorum.

7 June 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 122

In order to effect their purposes the more speedily, the apostates obtained a printing press; and on Friday, June 7th, the first number of a paper called the Nauvoo Expositor was issued. The paper was full of the most libellous and slanderous matter against the President, imaginable, and was designed as an engine to bring destruction upon the city.
Allen 2, p. 138 42

The final events were precipitated on June 7, when a group of bitter seceders from the church and other non- Mormons published the first and only number of the Nauvoo Expositor. All the charges were there, including so- called political dictatorship and polygamy, and William Clayton was incensed. He knew the prophet well enough to know he was no dictator and that his personal morality was of the highest order. ``Truly,'' he wrote of the Expositor in what was almost an understatement, ``it seems to be a source of falsehood and bitter misrepresentation.''

10 June 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 10. ... The City council passed a resolution declaring the Printing press on the hill a ``nuisance'' and ordered it destroyed if not moved in 3 hours notice. About sun down The police gathered at the Temple about sundown and after organizing proceeded to the office and demolished the press & scattered the Type.
Temple History, p. 122

On the 10th, the city council passed a resolution ordering the press to be abated as a nuisance, which was done the same evening.

11 June 1844, Tuesday
Temple History, p. 122

The following day there was great excitement concerning the destruction of the press; and Foster and Higbees threatened vengeance. Some of them said that in a few weeks there should not be left one stone of the temple standing upon another.

12 June 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 12th. A.M went to Temple office then to Prest. Js. walked with him, O.P.R. and J. Grant to my house & then to Temple P.M. at Prest Js recording Saunders Died at 1½ o clock David Bettisworth a constable from Carthage came with a writ for Joseph, Hyrum, Phelps, Jno Taylor, S. [or L.?] Bennett and a number of others for riot, in breaking the press of the Nauvoo Expositor. After the officer got through reading the writ, Joseph referred him to this clause in the writ ``before me or some other justice of the peace of said County'' saying we are ready to go to trial before Esqr Johnson, for that was their privilege allowed by the Statute. The man said he should take them before Morrison the man who issued the writ and seemed very wrathy--Joseph asked him if he intended to break the law, for he knew the privilege of the prisoners and they should have it. Joseph called upon all present to witness that he then offered himself (Hyrum did the same) to go forthwith before the nearest justice of the peace, and also called upon them to witness whether the officer broke the law. Joseph /indecip./ a write of Habeas Corpus which was taken out and served on Bettisworth. While this was going on and the Marshall summoning the Municipal Court - Hyrum related the whole history of the difficulty with Wm Law to the constable & a man with him - showing them what we believed on sealing of the covenant - that Law wanted to be sealed & J. told him he was forbid - which begun the hard feelings. He talked about 2 hours, then J. came in & told about Jackson. About 5 the court assembled in the 70s Hall- much testimony was brought to the point & the Court discharged J. from the writ & assessed the costs to F.M. Higbee the complainant.
Temple History, p. 122

On the 12th, a number of writs, or rather one writ for a number of the brethern, was brought in and served by a constable by the name of Bettisworth. Among the number were Joseph and Hyrum.

Joseph immediately procured a writ of habeas corpus from the municipal court; and after a lengthy examination was discharged.

This constable returned and stated that he had been resisted. The mob took advantage of the circumstance to fan the flame of excitement and threatened terrible vengeance. They also went to the Morley settlement and branches around, demanded the arms of the brethern and ordered them to leave their homes within a few days.

14 June 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

A.M. conversing with a number of gentleman in the Bar room concerning the proceedings of our enemies. He prophesied in the name of the Lord that if they did mob us it would be a precedent to come down upon their own heads with fury and vengeance.

15 June 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 15th. A.M. conversing with Dr Wakefield & others in the Bar Room - telling a dream concerning his father killing a man who attempted to stab him. He also spoke concerning key words. The g/rand?/ key word was the first word Adam spoke and is a word of supplication. He found the word by the Urim & Thummim -- it is that key word to which the heavens is opened.
Nauvoo 3
Saturday 15th. A.M. at Prest J's. 2 brethren came up from the Morley settlement saying that old Col. William's Company had been to demand their arms & they wanted to know if they must yeild them. J. told them not to do it while they lived. Various reports have come stating that the Warsawites have ordered the Saints to leave forthwith & threatening pretty bad. P.M at the Temple office--

16 June 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 3; Words, p. 383

Preached at the stand.
Nauvoo 3

P.M at the Masonic Hall laying the proceedings of the City Council before a number of Gentlemen from Fort Madison.
Nauvoo 3; Words, p. 383
4 o clock at the stand stated the design of the meeting & ordered the Major General to have the Legion in readiness to suppress all illegal violence in the City.

17 June 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 3

Monday 17th. A.M at Prest. J's wrote a letter for Hyrum to the Twelve requesting them to come home without delay.

18 June 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 3

[Tuesday Noon. Front of Mansion House.]

This A.M. the Legion is ordered to parade.... At 11 he rode to the parade ground & after staying a short season the whole legion marched down to the Mansion Judqe Phelps there read the preamble and resolutions of the mob in which they threaten extermination to the whole Church in Nauvoo.
Nauvoo 3; Words, p. 383
after Phelps got through Genl. J. Smith addressed the multitude He briefly explained the object of the mob and showed that they waged a war of extermination upon us because of our religion. He called upon all the volunteers who felt to support the constitution from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean to come with their arms, ammunition & provisions to defend us from the mob 43 & defend the constitution. He called upon them as the Lieutenant General of the N.L. and Illinois Militia in the name of the Constitution of the U.S. the People of the State of Ill. and the citizens of Nauvoo He called upon the citizens to defend the lives of their wives & children. for their [fathers?] and mothers, brothers & sisters, from being murdered by the mob. He urged them in strong terms not to shed innocent blood--not to act in the least on the offensive but invariable in the defensive and if we die--die like men of God and secure a glorious resurrection. He concluded by invoking the Great God to bless the people.--

... In the above address he advised all to arm themselves those who had no rifles, get swords, scythe and make weapons of some kind He informed them that he had 5000 Elders minute men who would come with volunteers as soon as he would inform them. He said there were many from Iowa waiting to come when requested.

20 June 1844, Thursday Temple History, p. 123

During this excitement the works on the temple ceased for about two weeks, all the hands having to watch and stand on guard night and day.

The works were suspended about the 20th of June.

21 June 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 122

The excitement continued to increase and the enemy circulated all manner of inflamatory reports, and also sent messages to the governor, which had the effect of bringing him to Carthage, where he arrived about the 21st.

The governor immediately sent a messenger with a letter, requesting those named in the writ to go to Carthage for trial. An answer was sent explaining the reasons why they had not gone.

22 June 1844, Saturday
Council of 50, p. 268

Saturday June 22. Joseph whispered and told me either to put the r. of K. into the hands of some faithful man and send them away, or burn them, or bury them. I concluded to bury them, which I did immediately on my return home.
Temple History, p. 122

On the following evening the governor sent in a posse of about thirty men, bearing a letter in which he made use of severe threats, and said that if the prisoners did not appear at Carthage on the morrow, he should take it as a resistance to the law and should immediately call in force sufficient to take them, even if it required all the militia of the State.

On receiving this information the President and one or two others concluded to leave the city and go over to Iowa in the night.
Allen 2, p. 139

On the evening of June 22 William Clayton called on Joseph Smith to discuss the best measures to be taken in case of mob attack. He then went home, but suddenly, at 1 A.M., he was roused with the message that Joseph wanted him.

23 June 1844, Sunday
Temple History, p. 122

During the day following some of the brethern, with Sister Emma Smith, despatched messengers to request the President and those with him to come and give themselves up, fearing that the city would be destroyed and the people massacred if they did not do it.

About five o'clock, p.m., the little party returned and concluded to surrender, although it was contrary to the President's feelings to do so.
Nauvoo 3 44

Sunday 23rd. At 5 A.m. Rockwood & Scott came to ask advice what to do with the Cannon &c I went to Joseph & got all the public & private records together and buried them.
Allen 2, p. 139

Fully aware of the plot afoot to take their lives, Joseph and Hyrum had decided that the best thing for them as well as for the church was to flee across the Mississippi and perhaps find refuge in the Rocky Mountains. Joseph, Hyrum, and Willard Richards were preparing to leave, and Joseph told William W.l Phelps, another close friend and scribe, to inform their wives and get their feelings on the subject. When Clayton arrived at the river, Joseph whispered his assignment to him: he was to give the records of the Kingdom of God (i.e., the Council of Fifty) to a faithful man who would take them away to safety, or he should burn or bury them. Clayton certainly could not bear to part with or destroy the sacred and important records he had so faithfully kept, so he hurried home and early that Sunday morning gathered up not only the private records but also the public records and buried them.

That afternoon Joseph and Hyrum changed their minds, partly because Emma Smith sent a message to her husband urging them to return. They finally decided to submit themselves to arrest, go to Carthage, and try again to be released through the legal process. Late that afternoon as Joseph arrived back in Nauvoo, Clayton was there to greet him.

24 June 1844, Monday
Temple History, p. 122

On Monday the 24th, the prisoners started for Carthage: but within about four miles of the place they were met by a messenger from the governor with an order for the State arms. The company immediately returned to collect the arms, which took some time.

About six o'clock the company started again and went through to Carthage. While there a great many threats were offered and they suffered considerable abuse from the mob. They, however, succeeded in obtaining a pledge from the governor, in the name of the State, for their safety before they went out.

About two days after they arrived in Carthage they were thrust in jail without lawful process.
Allen 2, p. 140

The next morning Joseph, Hyrum, and several others whose names appeared on a writ started for Carthage. On the way they encountered a Captain Dunn with a contingent of militia, who had orders from the governor that the state arms in possession of the citizens of Nauvoo (i.e., the Nauvoo Legion) should be turned over to him. Joseph returned to Nauvoo, countersigned the order, and instructed his followers to obey it. But Clayton caught the true feelings of the citizens of Nauvoo when he wrote: ``Many of the brethern looked upon this as another preparation for a Missouri massacre nevertheless as Joseph requested they very unwillingly gave up the arms.'' Later in the day Joseph left Nauvoo the second time, and Clayton sadly observed: ``Prest Jos. rode down home to bid his family farewell. He appeared to feel solmn & though[t]ful and from expressions made to several individuals, he expects nothing but to be massacred. This he expressed before he returned from over the river but their appearing on alternative but he must either give himself up or the City be massacred by a lawless mob under the sanction of the Governor."

25 June 1844, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 140

By the next day Clayton and others were fully persuaded that mobsters were ready to attack the city. One piece of convincing evidence appeared when Joseph Smith's colorful and impetuous bodyguard, Orrin Porter Rockwell, got into a fight with one of the dissenters, Francis M. Higbee. A letter fell out of Higbee's hat, and whoever recovered it read that seventy mobsters were gathered on the Iowa side of the river planning to descend upon Nauvoo that night. As Clayton describe the fight. ``O. P. Rockwell has been whipping F.M. Higbee.'' 45

26 June 1844, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 140

On Wednesday, June 26, Clayton had his last chance to perform a service for Joseph Smith. In Carthage jail, about noon, the prophet wrote a letter to Jesse B. Thomas, presiding judge of the circuit court. Thomas was friendly to the Mormons and Joseph thought of him as ``a great man and a gentleman.'' Ten days earlier Thomas had advised Joseph with regard to the Expositor affair, telling him that he should go before some justice in the county and have an examination of the charges specified in the writ against him. Joseph had followed that advice and was dismissed from custody in a habeas corpus hearing in Nauvoo. In his letter Joseph briefly explained his circumstances and asked the judge to go to Nauvoo, make himself comfortable at the Smith home, and be ready to hear another habeas corpus case. Joseph, who expected to go to Nauvoo with the governor the next day, sent the letter to William Clayton with instructions that he should get a messenger to take it to Judge Thomas. Clayton received the message that afternoon, did as he was instructed, then sat down and wrote his final letter to Joseph Smith. It contained several short messages. One was that a Mr. Marsh, with whom Joseph had done business, was ready to put up bail for him in any amount. He also reported that he had sent the message to Judge Thomas and ended his letter with these words: ``All is peace in Nauvoo. Many threats keep coming that the mob are determined to attack the city in your absence, but we have no fears. With fervency and true friendship, I remain yours eternally, William Clayton.'' The letter arrived at Carthage jail at 6:15.

27 June 1844, Thursday
Temple History, p. 122

On the afternoon of the 27th, the governor disbanded his troops except his body-guard; and, leaving the brethern in jail under the charge of the Carthage Greys, some of their bitterest enemies, he came out to Nauvoo and made a harsh address to the people.

When he left Carthage a body of men collected from Nauvoo and started for Carthage, and when within a few miles they stopped to black their faces. They proceeded through the woods to the north side of Carthage; then, leaving the woods, they went to the jail, and the doors being open, they rushed up stairs with their rifles and muskets and commenced firing into the room. The brethern defended themselves as well as they could; but, having no arms, they were soon over-powered. Hyrum was shot through the head and fell backwards dead. John Taylor had four balls shot into him. Joseph jumped through the window and was immediately surrounded by the mob. They raised him up and set him against the well-curb; but as yet it appears he had not been hit with a ball. However, four of the mob immediately drew their guns and shot him dead. This was all the work of about two minutes. The mob then fled as fast as possible. A messenger was dispatched to bring the news to Nauvoo, but was met by the governor and taken back for fear the whole city would rush out and desolate the country.
Allen 2, p. 141

Clayton saw the governor arrive in Nauvoo, listened to him talk, and was outraged at what he thought was an unfair and intemperate speech. Little did he realize that late that afternoon his prophet was murdered by a mob. Clayton went to bed on that evening, oblivious of the tragic affair taking place in Carthage.

28 June 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 123

The painful news reached the city the following morning, which filled the hearts of the Saints with the most intense gloom and sorrow.

On the 28th, at half past two, p.m., the bodies were brought to the city in two wagons and were taken to the mansion to be prepared for burial.
Nauvoo 2

/Clayton describes the martyrdom the best he can from the information received/ 46

...And all this brought upon us by those who have shared of the kind sympathies & generosity of Genls Joseph & Hyrum Smith and have received good at their hands. The names of these men are William Law who was one of Josephs council and a member of the Quorum. Wilson Law Robert D. Foster, Charles A. Foster, Francis M. Higbee, Chancy L. Higbee There associates in crime were Austin Cowles, Joseph H. Jackson a murderer, John M. Finch, Wm A. Rolloson Wm H.J. Man /Marr?/, Sylvester Emmans, Alexand Sympson S.M. Marr /Man/ John Eagle Henry O. Norton & Augustine Spencer. These had been aided and abetted by Charles Ivins & family. P.T. Rolfe, N.J. Higbee, Wm Cook & Sarah his wife formerly Sarah Crooks of Manchester England. James Blakeslee. And finally a band of mobacrats scattered through the county amoung whom are Alexander Sympson, Thos. C. Sharp, Colonel Williams, Walter Bagby, &. O. C. Skinner. Some of the aforesaid parties were storekeepers here & have drawn a vast of money from the place. David Bryant also joined in the clammer but did not take any public measures. ... After the bodies were laid out I went to see them. Joseph looks very natural except being pale through loss of blood. Hyrum does not look so natural. Their aged mother is distracted with grief & it will be almost more than she can bear.
Allen 2, p. 141

Early the next morning Orrin P. Rockwell woke him up with the stunning news that Joseph and Hyrum ahd been shot to death. His diary entry for that day is one of the longest he everr wrote, and it contains within it all the sorrow, solemnity, and dismay that any disciple could feel. ``I went out & met brother Cutler & several others,'' he wrote, ``and the news soon became general. Sorrow & gloom was pictured in every countenance and one universal scene of lamentation pervaded the city. The agony of the widows & orphan children [i.e., the wives and children of Joseph and Hyrum] was inexpressible and utterly beyond description.'' He went on with a lengthy description of what had happened at Carthage, as he understood it (which turned out to be a fairly accurate account), emphasizing what he considered to be the culpability of the governor for not providing better protection for the prophet. He then wrote a prayer, that, though vengeful in its tone, is a perfect reflection of the anger and frustration felt by many at the sudden tragedy:

``And now O God wilt thou not come out of thy hiding place and avenge the blood of thy servants.--that blood which thou hast so long watched over with a fatherly care--that blood so noble--so generous--so dignified, so heavenly you O Lord will thou not avenge it speedily and bring down vengeance upon the murderers of thy servants that they may be rid from off the earth and that the earth may be cleansed from these scenes, even so O Lord thy will be done. We look to thee for justice. Hear thy people O God of Jacob even so Amen.''

Clayton saw the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum arrive in Nauvoo about 2 P.M. and was part of the large procession of mourners that collected on the hill and followed them to the Mansion House. There they heard exhortations to be peaceful and calm and not to utter threats. He concluded his diary entry for the day:

``Few expressions were heard save the mourns for the loss of our friends. All seem to hang on the merch of God and wait further events. Some few can scarce refrain from expressing aloud their indignation at the Governor and a few words would raise the City in arms & massacre the Cities of Carthage & Warsaw & lay them in ashes but it is wisdom to be quiet. After the bodies were laid out I went to see them. Joseph looks very natural except being pale through loss of blood. Hyrum does not look so natural. Their aged mother is distracted with grief & it will be almost more than she can bear.''
Allen 1, p. 57; Allen 2, p. 142

``The blood of those men,'' he wrote in that long entry of June 28, ``and the prayers of the widows and orphans and a suffering community will rise up to the Lord of Sabaoth for vengeance upon those murderers.''

29 June 1844, Saturday
Temple History, p. 123

On the following day the Saints were permitted to go and see them; and at night they were secretly buried near the mansion.

The foregoing is but a mere sketch of the massacre, designed to show the date of the martyrdom and also the means by which it was brought about.

30 June 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2
Sunday 30. ... A few of the Quorum assembled and agreed to send G.J. Adams to bear the news to the Twelve. Woodworth is bitter against Adams and said many hard things against him.

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