movements of the
crowd; but Dunham dared not go contrary to the orders of the
Governor.

About this time the settlements on Bear Creek and at Great Plains
had a difficulty with the Gentiles, and the settlements were
broken up and the settlers driven to Nauvoo. The Mormons sought
redress under the law. The sheriff tried to suppress the riot by
a posse, but since he could not get a posse from the Gentiles, he
was obliged to summon them from the Mormons. This made him
unpopular, endangered his life, and rendered him powerless.

Governor Ford sought to bring to justice those who had assaulted
the Prophet and Hyrum, but public opinion was against him, and
the mass of the people objecting, nothing was done. Certain
leaders in the horrid deed were members of the Legislature, and
though the disturbance was partially quelled, still the feeling
of enmity continued to exist until the final breaking up of the
Church.

Before proceeding further, we must learn who was to be the
successor of the Prophet and lead the Church. It had been
understood among the Saints that young Joseph was to succeed his
father. Joseph the Prophet had bestowed that right upon him by
ordination, but he was too young at that time to fill the office
and discharge its solemn duties. Someone must fill the place
until he had grown to more mature age.

Sidney Rigdon set up his claim, he being the second counselor to
the Prophet. Rigdon had a few backers. A man by the name of
Strong, who had been writing for the Prophet, put up his claim to
the office, by forging an appointment from Joseph. Time passed on
until the whole twelve had returned from their missions, and a
conference was held, at which the several claimants came forward
with their demands.

Sidney Rigdon was the first who appeared upon the stand. He had
been rather in the background for some time previous to the death
of the Prophet. He made but a weak claim. Strong did not file
any.

Just then Brigham arose and roared like a young lion, imitating
the style and voice of Joseph the Prophet. Many of the brethren
declared that they saw the mantle of Joseph fall upon him. I
myself saw and heard a strong resemblance to the Prophet in him,
and felt that he was the man to lead us until Joseph's legal
successor should grow up to manhood.

As soon as Brigham got the reins of government in his hands he
swore that he would never suffer an officer to serve a writ on or
arrest him, as they had Joseph; t