o back and speak of the
cause of their arrest.

While I was in Kentucky the printing press of Higbee & Foster was
declared a nuisance, and ordered destroyed. The owners refused to
comply with the decision of the City Council, and the Mayor
directed that the press and type be destroyed, which was done.
The owner of the grocery where the press was, employed John
Eagle, a professional bully, and others to defend it. As the
Danites entered, or attempted to enter, Eagle stood in the door
and knocked three of them down. As the third fell the Prophet
struck Eagle under the ear and brought him sprawling to the
ground. He then crossed Eagle's hands and ordered them tied,
saying that he could not see his men knocked down while in the
line of their duty without protecting them.

This raised the ire of Higbee, Foster, and others, and they got
out writs for the arrest of Joseph, and laid their grievances
before the Governor. Joseph, knowing the consequences of such a
move, concluded to leave for the Rocky Mountains and lay out a
country where the Saints would not be molested. He crossed over
into Iowa with a few faithful friends. These friends begged him
to return and stand his trial; saying that the Lord had always
delivered him, and would again. He told them that if he returned
he would be killed, but if he went away he would save his life
and the Church would not be hurt; that he would look out a new
country for them. The Governor had advised him to do this.

Those old grannies then accused him of cowardice, and told him
that Christ had said he would never leave his brethren in
trouble. He then asked them if his Emma wished him to return.
They answered:

"Yes."

Joseph then said it was all light before him, and darkness behind
him, but he would return, though he felt as a sheep led to the
slaughter.

The following day he crossed the river into Illinois. He kissed
his mother, and told her that his time had come, and that he must
seal his testimony with his blood. He advised his brother Hyrum
not to go with him, saying that he would be a comfort to the
Church when he, the Prophet, was no more. Hyrum said:

"No, my brother; I have been with you in life, and will be with
you in death!"

The Prophet then called Brother Dunham and had some private talk
with him, and then started for the jail at Carthage. Dunham said
that the Prophet requested him to take his Danites and ambush
them in a grove near Carthage, and watch the