June 25, 1844

Carthage, Illinois

After Joseph and Hyrum Smith surrendered to the authorities in the morning, Illinois Governor Thomas Ford paraded the brothers through the ranks of the troops assembled by his orders from the surrounding counties. The Smiths and the other defendants were arraigned before Justice of the Peace ­Robert F. Smith, also Captain of the Carthage Greys. The case was postponed until October because Francis Higbee, a key witness, failed to appear. All the defendants posted bail, even in excessive amounts. Joseph and Hyrum were served writs charging them with treason, a nonbailable offense. Despite having no hearing on that new charge, the defendants were taken to Carthage Jail that evening under protective custody.