Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Six (1843-1844) | Engaging Browning as Legal Counsel

1Carthage Jail, June 27th, 1844. Lawyer Browning:-- Sir.--Myself and brother Hyrum are in jail on charge of treason, to come up for examination on Saturday morning, 29th inst., and we request you professional services at that time, on our defense, without fail. Most respectfully your servant, JOSEPH SMITH.

2P.S.--There is no cause of action, for we have not been guilty of any crime, neither is there any just cause of suspicion against us; but certain circumstances make your attendance very necessary. J. S.--DHC 6:613. This account brings us up to the afternoon of the day of the martyrdom. At 1:30 p.m. on that day some of the visitors at the prison were forced to leave, and Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards were left to themselves.

3At 3:15 after the change of guards, they, the guards, became more severe and threatening. About this time Elder Taylor sang--A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief. When he finished the song the Prophet requested him to sing it again, which he did, reluctantly, as he did not feel like singing. At 4 p.m. Hyrum did some reading to his fellow prisoners.

4The guard was again changed, only eight men being stationed at the jail, the main body of the Carthage Greys were in camp a quarter of a mile distant, on the public square. At 5 p.m. the jailor, Mr. Stigall, suggested that the brethren return to the cell where they would be safer. The Prophet turned to Dr.

5Richards and said, "If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The Doctor replied, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you--you did not ask me to come to jail with you--and do you think I would forsake you now?

6But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free." Joseph said, "You cannot." The Doctor said, "I will." It was but a short time following this that there was a rustling at the door of the prison, the mob had arrived and was bent on taking the lives of the prisoners, which, as we all know, they wickedly did. The account of this tragedy is not to be related here.

7The reader is referred to the full account of the awful and bloody deed as it is recorded in the Documentary History of the Church.