History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

228
EXPULSION FROM NAUVOO.
But to the terms of this stipulation the men of Illinois
would not consent. They were sore disgusted,
and rebelled against their leaders, causing Singleton,
Parker, and others to abandon their commands, the
posse being left in charge of Constable Carlin, who
summoned to his aid one Thomas Brockman, a clergyman
of Brown county, and for the occasion dubbed
general. On the 10th of September the posse, now
more than a thousand strong, with wagons, equipments,
and every preparation for a campaign, approached
Nauvoo and encamped at Hunter's farm.
At this time there were in the city not more than
a hundred and fifty Mormons, and about the same
number of gentiles, or, as they were termed, 'new citizens,'
capable of bearing arms, the remainder of the
population consisting of destitute women and children
and of the sick. Many of the gentiles had departed,
fearing a general massacre, and those who remained
could not be relied upon as combatants, for they were
of course unwilling to risk their lives in a conflict
which, if successful, would bring them no credit.
Nothing daunted, the little band, under command of
colonels Daniel H. Wells 22 and William Cutler, took
up its position on the edge of a wood in the suburbs
of Nauvoo, and less than a mile from the enemy's
camp. 23
Before hostilities commenced, a deputation from
Quincy 24 visited the camp of the assailants, and in
vain attempted to dissuade them from their purpose.
No sooner had they departed than fire was opened on
the Mormons from a battery of six-pounders, but
without effect. Here for the day matters rested.
At sunrise the posse changed their position, intending
to take the city by storm, but were held in check by
22 Who afterward became lient-gen. of the Nauvoo legion in Utah.
23 There were about 300 Mormons and new citizens who could then bear
arms against the mob, but on the day of the fight no more than 100 could
be found to go, as the Mormons were continually leaving.' Wells' Narrative,
MS., 39.
24 John Wood, the mayor, Major Flood, Dr Conyers, and Joel Rice. See
Wells' Narrative, MS., passim.