Events

June 25, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
Joseph Smith dictated a letter to his wife Emma from Carthage Jail, informing her of the new treason charge and of his interactions with Governor Ford.
  • Personal Writings of Joseph Smith,  Joseph Smith, 620-23
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June 25, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
State v. Joseph and Hyrum Smith: In the courtroom, Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were served writs charging them with treason, a nonbailable offense, for placing Nauvoo under martial law on June 18, 1844. Despite there having been no hearing on that new charge, the defendants were taken to the Carthage Jail that evening under protective custody. The two treason complaints against Joseph Smith and Hyrum were apparently signed by Augustine Spencer and Henry Norton, respectively. John Taylor called them "two worthless fellows not worth 5 cents between them." Governor Ford speculated that the charges of treason were based on declaring martial law in Nauvoo and resisting the "posse comitatus."

June 26, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
Joseph Smith dictated a letter from Carthage Jail to Illinois Governor Thomas Ford, requesting an interview. He also dictated a letter to Judge Jesse B. Thomas, associate justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, stating that he and Hyrum were being held illegally and requesting Thomas to go to Nauvoo, obtain a writ of habeas corpus, and bring their case before an impartial judge.
  • Personal Writings of Joseph Smith,  Joseph Smith,  624-28
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June 26, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
In court, Joseph Smith moved for a change of venue on the charge of treason brought against him. The motion was denied, and the case was continued until noon the next day, allowing time to bring witnesses to Carthage. Joseph and Hyrum were then taken back to jail, where they had an extensive interview with Illinois Governor Thomas Ford, who promised protection to him and the other prisoners. The hearing was changed to June 29, apparently without consulting the defendants.

June 26, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
State v. Joseph and Hyrum Smith: In court, Joseph Smith moved for a change of venue on the charge of treason brought against him. Joseph Smith had two lawyers, Woods and Reid; the state had five. The motion was denied, and the case was continued until noon the next day, allowing time to bring witnesses to Carthage. They were taken back to jail, where Joseph Smith had an extensive interview with Governor Thomas Ford. Again Ford promised Joseph Smith and the other prisoners full protection. The hearing was changed to June 29, apparently without consulting the defendants.

June 27, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
While in protective custody at Carthage Jail, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were shot and killed by an armed mob just after 5 p.m.

June 27, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
Joseph Smith dictated a letter from Carthage Jail to his wife Emma. In his own hand he penned a postscript that included the following: "I am very much resigned to my lot knowing I am Justified and have done the best that could be done give my love to the children and all my Friends." Joseph then dictated a letter to lawyer Orville H. Browning, requesting his professional services.
  • Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith, pp. 629–35
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June 27, 1844

Carthage, Illinois—
Joseph Smith prepared a list of witnesses regarding the charge of treason to give to Cyrus Wheelock. Governor Ford took the most neutral troops away from Carthage for a visit to Nauvoo, leaving the Carthage Greys to guard the jail. The last letter written by Joseph Smith was an urgent request for legal services from O. H. Browning. While in protective custody at Carthage Jail, Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were both shot and killed by an armed mob. After their deaths, the treason cases causing the Smiths' incarceration were dismissed.

June 28, 1844

Nauvoo, Illinois—
Joseph and Hyrum Smith's bodies were brought on two wagons through Nauvoo to the Mansion House (the Prophet's home), where thousands of Saints were gathered to lament their death.

June 29, 1844

Nauvoo, Illinois—
The bodies of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were buried.

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