History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

CONSTABLE CARLIN. 227
troubles continue, the anti-Mormons almost coming
to blows among themselves. Before the end of the
month about six hundred men are assembled at Carthage,
by order of Thomas Carlin, a special constable,
ostensibly to enforce the arrest of Pickett, but
in reality to enforce the expulsion of the Mormons.
Major Parker orders the constable's posse to disperse,
otherwise he threatens to treat them as a mob.
The constable replies that if the major should attempt
to molest them in discharge of their duty he
will regard him and his command as a mob and so treat
them. "Now, fellow-citizens," declares a committee
selected from four counties, 20 in a proclamation issued
at Carthage, "an issue is fairly raised. On the one
hand, a large body of men have assembled at Carthage,
under the command of a legal officer, to assist him in
performing legal duties. They are not excited—they
are cool, but determined at all hazards to execute
the law in Nauvoo, which has always heretofore defied
it. They are resolved to go to work systemati-
cally and with ample precaution, but under a full
knowledge that on their good and orderly behavior
their character is staked. On the other hand, in
Nauvoo is a blustering Mormon mob, who have defied
the law, and who are now organized for the purpose
of arresting the arm of civil power. Judge ye
which is in the right."
Intending, as it seems, to keep his word, Carlin
places his men under command of Colonel Singleton,
who at once throws off the mask, and on the 7th of
September announces to Major Parker that the Mormons
must go. On the same day a stipulation is
made, granting to the saints sixty days' extension of
time, and signed by representatives on both sides. 21
volunteers as may offer themselves, free of cost to the state, to repel it and
defend the city. ' Fullmer's Expulsion, 29-30.
M Among the members was the Rev. Thomas S. Brockman, who afterward
took command of the posse.
" Hostilities to cease; the city to be evacuated in 60 days, 25 men remaining
to see the stipulation carried out. Id. , 34-5.