History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

THE REMNANT AT NAUVOO. 223
were formed on both banks of the river, or at points
near by, where grass was plentiful. In early autumn
about 12,000 Mormons were assembled in this neighborhood,
or were on their way across the plains.
Leaving here the advance portion of the emigration,
let us return to Nauvoo and see how it fared
with those who were still engaged in preparations for
their pilgrimage. It had been stipulated, the reader
will remember, that the Mormons should remove from
the state in the spring, or as soon afterward as they
could sell their property, and that meanwhile they
should not be molested. Long before spring, thousands
had crossed the Mississippi, among whom were
all the more obnoxious members of the sect. Mean-
while, how had the gentiles kept their faith ?
But passing the cause, what a picture was now
presented by the deserted city and its exiled inhabitants!—the
former, as Colonel Kane viewed it—but
which view must be regarded as ideal rather than
strictly historical—with "its bright new dwellings
set in cool green gardens, ranging up around a stately
dome-shaped hill, which was crowned by a noble
marble edifice, whose high tapering spire was radiant
with white and gold. The city appeared to cover
several miles ; and beyond it, in the background, there
rolled off a fair country, checkered by the careful lines
of fruitful husbandry."
To the Nauvoo Eagle Major Warren sent notice
from Carthage, on the 16th of April, that he had been
directed by the governor to disband on the 1st of May
the force which had been kept there ostensibly for
the protection of the saints, as the time appointed for
their departure would expire on that day. 17 The day
arrived, and there were yet many Mormons remaining,
many who had found it impossible to remove on ac-
17 'The removal of the entire population,' the major adds, 'has been looked
forward to as an event that could alone restore peace and quiet to this portion
of our state. ' Fullmer's Expulsion, 24.