December 17, 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois
Illinois Governor Thomas Ford wrote Joseph Smith a letter refusing to interfere with the acts of his predecessor, Governor Thomas Carlin, but encouraged Joseph to come to Springfield to have his extradition case heard. He offered Joseph protection while traveling to and from his court trial. U.S. Attorney Justin Butterfield also encouraged him to come to Springfield and assured Joseph he would represent him.
Sources:
History of the Church, Joseph Smith, 5:205-7
LDS Church Archives, Joseph Smith Legal Papers series
Sustaining the Law: Joseph Smith's Legal Encounters Gordon A. Madsen, Jeffrey N. Walker, and John W. Welch,
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