Source: Lyman Omer Littlefield, Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.155

In Nauvoo, on the morning of the 7th of August, 1841, at 20 minutes after 2 o'clock in the 25th year of his age, Elder Don Carlos Smith, the publisher and one of the editors of the Times and Seasons, departed this life. His funeral obsequies took place on the 9th inst. amid a vast concourse of relatives and friends. He was buried with military honors, holding at the time of his death the office of brigadier general of the 2nd Cohort of the Nauvoo Legion.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.155

Concerning this good and great man the writer published an article in the Times and Seasons, from which the following is an extract:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.155 - p.156

"Few men ever lived more universally beloved and respected--by both strangers and acquaintances, kindred and friends--than did our lately deceased brother--Don Carlos Smith. His worth, his amiability, his hospitality, his generosity of sentiment, his benevolence of principle, his capability as an officer and his usefulness as a citizen--are too indelibly impressed upon the hearts of this community, and the numerous circle of friends who are united to him by the endearing ties of natural affection, to be soon forgotten. With his brethren, he felt the grievous yoke of persecution--which he was willing to bear for the sake of the religion he had espoused and which he ever struggled to perpetuate--but the unpropitious hand of death has taken him untimely from our midst, and his ashes now slumber in the silent tomb. "He lies full low, but he lies in peace," his spirit has gone to the God who gave it. Death has torn him from the wife of his bosom, and from the society of his little children, but he is at rest; his soul is emancipated, he feels no more the heavy hand of persecution, and the turmoils and adversities of this life no longer agitate his peaceful bosom. He is taken from us for a little season, but we shall meet him again in that bright world, where the weary are at rest, and where sorrow and parting can never come. Then let the Saints cease their lamentations, and thou, bereaved one, let those pungent sighs of heart-felt anguish be hushed into repose; let that heaving bosom be calm, let that widowed heart be comforted, and those tears of sorrow dried up! You soon shall join him in a better world than this."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.156

During the period of which I am now writing (1843-4) a subtle and malicious undercurrent was silently and stealthily running and spreading through the circles that composed the society of Nauvoo. As well as the glorious doctrines of baptism for the dead, there were many other truths of vital moment which were revealed to the members of the Church through the agency of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Some of the doctrines were construed by evil disposed persons in a way to place them in a false light before the people by placing upon them interpretations different from what their real import would justify. There were those ready and willing to embrace the opportunity of fabricating false deductions for the purpose of counteracting or lessening the great influence which Joseph wielded against all who practiced any species of evil in society. Among these were disaffected persons, some of whom possessed ability, cunning and a degree of influence. Some of them were persons who were ambitious for promotion and advancement into public favor, a portion seeking social, political or religious advancement, according to their taste. But Joseph was the man who stood boldly in the Thermopylae to defend the innocent and unsuspecting and direct their minds in the true channel that pointed the way to eternal blessings.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.156 - p.157

In order to fan the excitement and intensify the feeling of animosity against Joseph and the Saints, and cause that to become the general sentiment of the country, they commenced the printing of the Expositor, a paper that was to be the organ through which they could issue their vituperative tirades upon the personal character of both sexes, whom they desired to make victims. The first number of this paper was issued on June 7, 1844. Its contents, as was expected, was very insulting. It attacked their domestic circles in a way to misrepresent the morals of the people and impugn the integrity and loyalty of every man of prominence who was considered to be especially favorable to the advanced doctrines of the leaders. It was plain that they intended to wage a warfare, through the agency of the press, to break down every influence favorable to the citizens of Nauvoo and to deprive them, as far as possible, of their legal rights.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

The contents of the first number of this sheet was so libelous, and evidence gathered from other sources so conclusive that the City Council resolved upon immediate action and issued the following:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

"Bill for Removing of the Press of the Nauvoo Expositor.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

Resolved by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, that the printing office from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance; and also of said Nauvoo Expositor which may be or exist in said establishment; and the mayor is instructed to cause said establishment and papers to be removed without delay, in such manner as he shall direct.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

George W. Harris, President pro tem.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

Passed June 10, 1844,

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157

W. Richards, Recorder."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.157 - p.158

Foremost among the disaffected cabal was the notorious John C. Bennett. The Prophet fully exposed his corruptions and he fell from every position of trust that he had ever occupied among the Latter-day Saints. By the Prophet's influence in his favor, during the time that Bennett labored to aid in establishing the people in their Constitutional rights, he done a good work in helping to procure the Nauvoo City charter by enactment of the Legislature. But when he corrupted himself and prostituted every possible virtue that was presented in his path--and he was destitute of any spirit that prompted him with a desire to reform--the confidence of Joseph and the Saints was withdrawn; he fell, and his fame was at an end. His lechery had debauched every virtuous sentiment that morality had ever taught him. There was no scheme of villainy, within his grasp, that he would hesitate to employ to gratify his lust. Many of his unvirtuous acts in Nauvoo were ventilated, and his attempted defamations of the Prophet proven utterly false. A circumstance with which the writer was familiar now occurs fresh to mind, concerning which the following are a few of the facts:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.158 - p.159

During the winter when a lyceum was in progress in the upper room of Joseph's store, this same Bennett became enamored of a lady of good repute and comely mien. The lyceum sessions were held regular each Wednesday evening. The husband of this lady was a member of that institution and a regular attendant of the same. The doctor selected these particular evenings as being propitious for the success of his wicked design and commenced to make calls upon her at such hours. Notwithstanding he was well skilled in the etiquette that belongs to social life and knew how to ape refinement when he chose, yet upon these occasions he was grossly rude and impulsive in his advances. The lady, from the beginning, knowing his influence at that time, dreaded to offend him and tried to argue and reason with him against his unjustifiable course. She also dreaded the consequences in case she informed her husband of the facts. She took this course during two of his visits, but finding her efforts ineffectual, she resolved to detain her husband at home when the next evening for the lyceum should arrive. Her pleadings grew so earnest that she became successful, her husband not suspecting the real cause. He was somewhat surprised, of course, when the great Doctor Bennett called at his humble abode. The door of this residence opened immediately on the sidewalk and it was quite handy the next morning for this invader of domestic happiness to open the door, after the husband was seen to go to business, and threaten to take vengeance on her husband because she had detained him at home the previous evening.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.159

The doctor instituted slanders against her husband and tried to hamper him with the law which, for a short time, threatened serious trouble. The husband being innocent of what the doctor had caused to be charged against him treated the matter deliberately and in a short time was fully vindicated in the estimation of those whose minds had been disconcerted by the poison which this unscrupulous defamer had prescribed. And soon after, the expositions that the Prophet caused to be made public against him hurled him from the pinnacle of his influence and he could no longer crush the innocent beneath his relentless step.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.159 - p.160

Besides Bennett, there were the two Laws, the two Fosters and the two Higbees who were the leaders and prime instigators--among the apostate element--of the movement which culminated in the murder of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, Hyrum Smith, the patriarch, and the severe wounding of Apostle John Taylor. All these intriguers were members of the Church at the time they commenced to lay their plans, if possible to weaken the confidence of the Saints in their successful and popular leader. They were enabled for a time, to work for the advancement of their schemes without having their motives suspected, from the fact that they labored to retain as long as possible their membership in the Church, and also to guard against their misrepresentations coming to the knowledge of those who were known to be staunch members in harmony with the movements and counsels of the Prophet.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.160

They were also members, and I think officers of the legion. William Law was a member of the First Presidency of the Church. Their abilities and attainments were good enough, and if they had been Latter-day Saints really at heart, their record might not pass down attainted through the ages, they might have continued to labor for the advancement of God's purposes with honorable results to themselves. They coalesced with the outsiders who were envious of the influence Joseph very properly wielded in the community. As our people responded to all the requirements of good citizens by paying taxes, improving the highways, and in many ways building up and beautifying the country, it was right and proper that they should have a voice in all legitimate measures adopted for the public weal.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.160 - p.161

It is not the intention of entering upon an elaborate detail of the many causes that led to the bloody tragedy that was enacted at Carthage, which stained the honor of the state and branded the actors with the guilt of shedding the blood of innocence. It has been out object here to record who were the first instigators of the trouble. They were men who professedly had been Joseph's friends and had espoused the religious truths which he, in the providences of God, had been made the instrument to enunciate.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.161

Chapter XI

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.161 - p.162

We now come to a most important epoch in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph, the Prophet of God, the president and leader of the Saints, and the first head--under Christ, of the dispensation of the fullness of times--was gone behind the veil. He was not seen, as in days gone by, upon the streets--not in the oft-repeated visits to the homes of his people, and not in the earnest worshiping congregations of assembled thousands to listen to the instructions which the Great Jehovah, in his lifetime, caused to flow from his lips. The First Presidency was by his death made vacant, and hence the organization of God's Church upon the earth was, for the time being, just that much deficient in its organization. Joseph, the wonderful leader, had ended his mortal career and his inspired spirit had gone to mingle with the nobility that dwell in a world where the warfare over the besetments of the flesh are ended, and where eternal life is to assume supreme dominion. The wicked had at last prevailed over his temporal body, and his blood had been spilled to fix the broad seal of testimony to the saving truths he had enunciated during his ministry among the children of men.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.162

The Church was now brought to a severe test. Previously, we had formed no very distinct idea how it was possible to move forward in the track of a glorious destiny without the daily supervision of the man whom the Lord had placed in order as His leader and Prophet, to bring in the stupendous regenerative work of the latter times, which is to prelude the coming of the Messiah in the plenitude of His righteous reign, which is to be eternal. We lacked an experience necessary for our edification that we might be more thoroughly schooled in the knowledge of the Lord. To this end a new leaf had been turned in the volume of His providence whereon was written a lesson, a lesson which, though bitter and painful, was necessary to be learned to prepare us for the events through which the Saints of the last days were destined to pass. Joseph had acted most nobly his part, and as his place was then left vacant and the First Presidency was consequently disorganized, of necessity other men must be introduced and another leader chosen. Upon whose shoulders was to rest that great responsibility? Who was able to fill up the void and lead successfully on the vast numbers destined to be augmented through the preaching of the gospel among the nations?

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.162 - p.163

Before this question was mooted in the minds of the people, the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum were brought to Nauvoo, dressed and laid in state at the mansion house, where thousands of people, bathed in tears, passed in procession, two abreast, to view their mangled remains. The writer of this, with his wife, thus had the mournful privilege of looking one sad and brief adieu upon the noble forms of those men of God.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.163

That was an hour marked in the history of this people, and although forty-four years have since passed away, the powers of memory seldom go back and review the scene--though in gleams of momentary fleetness--without sensations of pain.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.163

They were indeed gone. We had then to learn the great lesson that God's work does not depend upon one man, and that He has many servants whom He designs to honor and make conspicuous through their devotion to the cause which is destined to benefit and exalt all who fill the mission of life with faithfulness. Neither does the labor and the honor all belong to one branch or tribe of the house of Israel. The following gives a glimpse of the final renown which is to be achieved and the manner in which the fame of the tribes is to be perpetuated:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.163

"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb."--Revelations xxi: 10-14.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.164

As is well known, this terrible tragedy was enacted at Carthage, Hancock County, Illinois, in the afternoon of the 27th of June, 1844. To give the reader further light as to the manner in which the massacre of Joseph and Hyrum Smith was accomplished we make the following extracts:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.164

"The governor was made acquainted with the threats that had been made against the lives of the prisoners, but on the morning of the 27th, he dispatched the McDonough troops and sent them home, took Captain Dun's company of cavalry and proceeded to Nauvoo, leaving these two men and three of their friends to be guarded by eight men at the jail, and a company in town of sixty men, eighty or one hundred rods from the jail, as a corps in reserve."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.164

Says the Times and Seasons: "About six o'clock in the afternoon (June 27th) the guard was surprised by an armed mob of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty, painted red, black and yellow, which surrounded the jail, forced in--poured a shower of bullets into the room where these unfortunate men were held, 'in durance vile,' to answer to the laws of Illinois, under the solemn pledge of the faith of the state, by Governor Ford, that they should be protected! but the mob ruled!! They fell as martyrs amid this tornado of lead, each receiving four bullets! John Taylor was wounded by four bullets in his limbs. Thus perishes the hope of law, thus vanishes the plighted faith of the state, thus the blood of innocence stains the constituted authorities of the United States, and thus have two among the most noble martyrs since the slaughter of Abel, sealed the truth of their divine mission, by being shot by a mob for their religion."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.164 - p.165

At that time most of the Twelve Apostles were on missions in the Eastern States, but they returned home as soon as possible after receiving the sad news. Immediately after reaching Nauvoo on Thursday, August 8, 1884 [1844], they attended a very large meeting that had been called by Sidney Rigdon, at the grove east of the temple. Mr. Rigdon did not occupy the stand which had been erected for the accommodation of speakers, but, leaving that vacant, he stood in a wagon which had been purposely placed more central in the congregation, as he complained of being quite feeble and thought he could more easily cause the people to hear from the new position. He spoke perhaps a little over an hour and advanced his claims to what he called the guardianship of the Church. The writer noticed from the beginning of his remarks that he fell far short of enjoying his usual amount of freedom in addressing his audience. His usual flow of eloquence was much abated, he seeming rather nervous and disconcerted. He also seemed to close abruptly, in a way to leave his propositions in rather an obscure and ambiguous condition. I attributed this to the entrance of some of the Twelve Apostles who passed down one of the aisles and took seats upon the stand.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.165 - p.166

After Mr. Rigdon dismissed his meeting, Apostle Brigham Young arose and called the people to order. There seemed to be felt a general feeling of relief and all gladly kept their seats to listen to the new speaker, who stated very feelingly in substance that it was contrary to his wishes to so soon have to speak upon the matter of choosing a successor to our beloved Brother Joseph Smith, the Prophet, whom God had raised up to establish the great work of the last days. He felt like anointing his head, as did Aaron, and mourning for his brethren for thirty days in sackcloth and ashes, before entering upon the duty then forced upon him. He said Brother Rigdon seemed to be in a hurry about the matter and the course he had taken made it necessary that the people should come to an understanding and find out upon whom the mantle had fallen. The following are some of his memorable words, which will at once be recognized as being characteristic of that great man:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.166

"There has been much said about President Rigdon being president of the Church, and leading the people, being the head, etc. Brother Rigdon has come one thousand six hundred miles to tell you what he wants to do for us. If the people want President Rigdon to lead them they may have him; but I say unto you that the quorum of the Twelve have the keys of the kingdom of God in all the world.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.166

The Twelve are appointed by the finger of God. Here is Brigham: have his knees ever faltered? have his lips ever quivered? Here is Heber and the rest of the Twelve, an independent body, who have the keys of the priesthood--the keys of the kingdom of God to deliver to all the world. This is true, so help me God. They stand next to Joseph and are as the First Presidency of the Church."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.166 - p.167

He then went to work as a workman understanding his business. He called for the quorums of priesthood to be seated together in order, as much as the circumstances would permit, and then presented the matter under consideration in a manner so plain and convincing that all could readily understand that Joseph's mantle had fallen upon Brigham Young. It was self-evident that the power and influence that had rested upon Brother Joseph in the performance of his official duties, rested upon him. This became at once so satisfactory that he, at that meeting, became the unanimous choice of all present. In other words, the quorum of Twelve Apostles became as the First Presidency of the Church, and Brigham Young being the president of that quorum made him the first representative man, or president of the Church.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.167

"President Young and the Twelve pushed forward the work on the temple as fast as possible, and took a very wise course for the promotion of peace and to restore confidence in the community generally. They published an epistle to the Church at large, which was timely and replete with good counsel and they also used all their influence to correct the mind of Governor Ford, which had been much abused upon the Mormon question which at that time agitated the people of the entire state--also to have the wrongs of the Saints redressed. Every effort to restore peace proved ineffectual, and Hancock County continued to be the scene of mob violence until 1846."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.167

We would be pleased here to present the causes that led to the martyrdom--and the particulars of its accomplishment--in a more amplified form, but as previously stated, we have given them in detail in a former publication and with that shall have to be content, so far as this little work is concerned. Many may read this volume after the writer has passed away, his body to slumber in the silent earth, and to those it might be pleasing, perhaps, to hear my testimony in relation to the many facts and incidents of those times, but such all are found printed in the Church publications to which they may doubtless have access.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.167

The following extracts will show the cruel treatment to which some of the brethren were subjected:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.167 - p.168

"On the 11th of July [1846], John Hill, Archibald N. Hill, Caleb W. Lyons, James W. Huntsman, Gardiner Curtis, John Richards, Elisha Mallory and J. W. D. Phillips, who were engaged in harvesting wheat about twelve miles from Nauvoo, while working in the field, were surrounded by an armed mob who completely hemmed them in, thereby preventing their escape and then ransacked their wagons for their firearms. After taking from them every weapon they had, the mob sent to the woods for some long hickory switches. Then taking the defenseless, one at a time, they forced them to assume a stooping position in a ditch, while each of them received twenty lashes across the back with the switches wielded by one of the mob party. As there were but eight of the brethren, they were so completely in the power of these merciless creatures they could not do otherwise than submit to the torture. The mob then smashed some of their guns to pieces over a stump and returned the fragments to them, while they retained the rest of the guns and pistols. The brethren were then ordered with an oath to get into their carriages and drive for Nauvoo and not look back, and the mob fired a parting shot at them as they did so."