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

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.168 - p.169

"Two of the mob engaged in this shameful affair were soon afterwards arrested, in retaliation for which Phineas H. Young, Brigham H. Young, Richard Ballantyne, James Standing and James Herring were pounced upon while near Pontoosuc and forcibly taken into custody by a party of the mob. They were not accused of any crime, but were informed that they would be held as hostages for the safety of McAuley and Brattle who were held under arrest by the civil authorities of Nauvoo. The guilty, conscience-stricken wretches who held these brethren in their custody were constantly imagining that the friends of their prisoners were close upon their track, and accordingly hurried them from one place to another, traveling a great deal in the night, sometimes halting for a short time, when fear would come upon them and they would again take up their hurried flight, through woods, thickets and marshes, urging their prisoners on at times by goading them with the points of their bayonets, and this too when they were almost fainting from sickness and fatigue. Once the mob was on the point of shooting their prisoners, and had even cocked and pointed their guns at them, when the alarm was sounded by one of their party that the Mormons were on their trail and it would not do to make any noise, when they again took up their flight.' These brethren were held in captivity twelve days. During this time poison was given to them, which failed to accomplish the fatal result that was intended. Finally the mob again determined to shoot them and their prisoners were ordered to form in a line and be shot. At this juncture Phineas H. Young plead with the mob to spare the lives of his brethren, and offered his own life if they would only do so. The delay occasioned by this appeal saved their lives, as just then one of the mob party came riding by and reported the Mormons, three hundred and fifty strong coming upon them; and again the prisoners were hurried off. Finally the brethren made an earnest appeal to the guard whose feelings were softened and they even aided them in making their escape." The Martyrs

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.169

The following account of the whipping of Richard Ainscough, never before published, has been furnished for this volume:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.169 - p.170

My brother, Richard Ainscough, was born in Eccleston Township, England, in the year 1815, where he embraced the gospel and was baptized in 1837, by Elder Heber C. Kimball. On the third day of June, 1839, he sailed from Liverpool in a company of thirty-six Saints, myself being one of that number. We landed at Keokuk, Iowa, September 9, 1839. This place is situated at the foot of the rapids twelve miles below Nauvoo. Some of our company went up to Nauvoo and received counsel from the Prophet Joseph for our company not to come to Nauvoo, but remain back and obtain employment as opportunity might offer. Accordingly my brother and myself crossed the river and found employment at Camp Creek--where the notorious Col. Williams resided--a little place about three miles below Warsaw.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.170

The next spring my brother and myself obtained employment at a flouring mill in Warsaw, owned by D. S. Witter and R. L. Robinson.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.170 - p.171

In 1843, I removed to Nauvoo where I married and settled down. My brother Richard remained in the employment of the mill company until the summer of 1844. A short time previous to the assassination of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, he made me a visit. At that time the county was full of excitement against our people and as he had left all his things at Warsaw, started back with the view of getting them and returning to Nauvoo. On arriving at Warsaw, he found that the man with whom he left his things had moved to Keokuk and he went there for them. After obtaining them he started back, intending to go to Warsaw, but the steamer from some cause, failed to touch at that place and he was put off about thirty miles below and fell into the hands of a lot of mob ruffians who were told by the men on the boat that he was a Mormon thief and they must attend to him. These roughs confined him in an ice-house until near sundown when a gang of about twelve men returned to the place of his confinement quite intoxicated. They took my brother a few steps into the woods and told him to take off his clothes, which he did, all except his pants and boots. They then tied his wrists together. Drawing up his arms, they hitched them over the limb of a tree at such a height that his toes just touched the ground. They then told him they were going to give him sixty-five lashes. They then gave him fifteen lashes with a cowhide when they stopped and asked him if he believed "Old Joe Smith" was a Prophet. He answered, "Yes." Then a fresh hand took the rawhide and gave him fifteen more lashes. They then said to him, "Do you still believe Old Joe is a Prophet?" He replied, "Yes. I do not believe but I know it, and if you want to kill me, kill me at once and don't kill me by inches."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171

At this juncture, one half, or a little more of the mob began to soften and feel some sympathy for him and opposed his being whipped anymore. The most sympathetic of the assailants finally said that he should not be whipped anymore, and if there was any whipping to be done, they would have a hand in it.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171

The result of their division of feeling was that my brother was taken down, handed his clothes, and not giving him time to dress, he was told to leave, which he did. His back was terribly lacerated, the flesh being whipped off so that some of his ribs were bare.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171

Notwithstanding his condition he walked that night several miles through a swampy bottom. In the morning he came to the main road and, being much fatigued, lay down to rest. After awhile a man with a team came along. Upon learning his condition and the cause of the same, my brother was taken into the wagon, but not being able to stand the jolting, he was left at a tavern to be taken care of.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171

This friend then went to Warsaw and informed D. S. Witter of my brother's condition. Mr. Witter sent a buggy after him and had him brought to his house and offered five hundred dollars reward for the apprehension of the men who had committed the outrage, but none of them were ever identified.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171

From the effects of this terrible mistreatment, my brother suffered untold torment. He lived between three and four months and on the twenty-second or twenty-third of December, death came to his relief.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.171 - p.172

He died and was buried in Nauvoo, never having seen a well day after the heartless punishment herein related, was inflicted upon him. He continued in full faith of the gospel and entertained the brightest hopes of a part in the resurrection of the just.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.172

William Ainscough.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.172

Smithfield, Cache County, Utah, July 24, 1888.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.172

Notwithstanding many of the men who were guilty of the Carthage outrage--both against the law and the lives of the prisoners--were well known to the officers of justice as well as to the citizens generally, still not a man has ever been convicted for that crime. It is true that complains were lodged against some of the men in due form and they were brought before the court and testimony produced sufficient to have convicted them of murder, but the judge and the jury being entirely influenced by the mob element of the country, verdicts of guilty were impossible.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.172 - p.173

William M. Daniels, who went all the way from Warsaw to the jail with the mob that committed the deed, and who was an eyewitness to the whole transaction, gave his testimony before the court, but the lawyers turned his statements into ridicule and the court itself took good care that the account he gave had no weight in the scale of justice poised by him with persistent partiality. This account--quite lengthy, but very important--will be found in The Martyrs. It was written by me and first published in pamphlet form at Nauvoo, and because it brought to light the whole plot, as well as the names of the agitators and committers of the murder, it brought against Mr. Daniels and myself threats of vengeance. He was hunted and if he had fallen into their hands outside of Nauvoo, his life would have been in great jeopardy. He was not a member of the Church at the time of the murder, but joined it soon after. It was owing principally to compulsory means that he was kept with that company during their march from Warsaw.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.173

Mrs. Daniels, his wife, was then in Quincy and he would not have been safe in passing through the excited mob districts through which he would have to travel in order to join her. It was thought the wiser plan to send for her to come to Nauvoo, and as I was going to that place on some business, he made arrangements for his wife to return with me. I took passage down on a steamboat, expecting to return to Nauvoo by the same conveyance. But circumstances rendered it necessary for me to return by stage. I would not ventured to have done so had I not been under the impression that the stage ran through to Nauvoo without having to lay over for the night.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.173

About sunset the driver informed us that we were to stay at Warsaw for the night. This disconcerted both Mrs. Daniels and myself, as we knew that to be one of the strongholds of the mob leaders. There was no alternative. We had to put on a bold front and trust in God. She was much agitated lest it should be found out that she was the wife of the witness against those who had sworn to be avenged upon her husband. I told her not to be excited, for no violence would be used during our stay there, told her to make the acquaintance and secure the friendship of the ladies of the house, and she would have their assistance if necessary.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.173 - p.174

A gentleman passenger, a stranger, and myself called for a room, went immediately to it, and soon retired. In the morning we arose early. My friend passed out into the bar room and onto the street several times, and at length informed me that there was trouble brewing for me. He said there was a man in the bar room by the name of Jackson, backed by two or three others, all armed, threatening vengeance against me when I should make my appearance.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.174

I comprehended at once that there was danger of real trouble. Jackson was considered to be a desperado, but I knew he had no just cause to be offended with me and the only pretext he could bring was that he had been implicated in the Daniels pamphlet of which I was known to be the writer the publisher. The circumstances called for calmness and self-possession on my part. I told my friend that I thought the danger would be averted.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.174

Soon I was visited by the landlord himself, Mr. Hamilton. He was a brother to the Mr. Hamilton who kept the hotel at Carthage to which Apostle John Taylor had been taken after being wounded in the jail. He confirmed all that had been reported to me and said further that Jackson declared that I had on some occasion insulted him while on board a steamboat, which was an entire fabrication. Also, he said I was a d--d polygamy "Mormon" and that the lady who was a passenger with me in the stage was one of my "spiritual wives." All this was false, and was resorted to by Jackson that he might have a popular excuse for interrupting me in that hot bed of mobocracy. My only cause of offense against him or his friends was as has been already related.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.174 - p.175

Mr. Hamilton said he had stood neutral through all the difficulties that had existed in the county wherein the "Mormons" and other citizens had been involved, and he wished still to maintain that attitude, and he disliked very much to have any difficulty at his house. To avoid this he wished me, after breakfast, to pass away from the hotel by a back passage through the lot and make my way to the residence of Mr. Odell, who always had felt quite friendly towards our people, and he would direct the stage driver to call for me there.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175

Mr. Hamilton's request was so reasonable and so courteously made that I consented.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175

When the breakfast bell rang I was the first man to enter the dining hall. A long table extended form the door of the bar room down to the further end of the hall, where Mrs. Daniels, with some of the ladies of the house, were seated. I passed around the seated myself opposite to Mrs. Daniels, extending to her and the ladies with her, the compliments of the morning. She was certainly a lady very attractive in her personal appearance.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175

Just at that juncture the bar room door opened and the first man to enter was my opponent. He walked down the entire length of the table--passed by numerous chairs, plates, and the smoking repast--to seat himself close to my left arm. Upon being seated he said to me: "Good morning, Littlefield. Rigdon has cut the church off, up at Nauvoo, has he not?" I replied: "No, Jackson, the Church has cut Mr. Rigdon off."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175

Without attempting to eat, Jackson arose quickly from the table and returned to the bar room.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175

After finishing breakfast, I passed into my room, and, after requesting my traveling friend to see Mrs. Daniels, with her luggage, into the stage, I left by the route indicated by my landlord, and soon reached Mr. Odell's abode in safety. The stage called for me in due time and we were soon upon the road to Nauvoo.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.175 - p.176

"What transpired at the hotel after my 'underground' departure?" I inquired of my friend. The term is a proper one, for, though strangers, there was a "mystic tie" that made us friends. He said:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

"When Jackson went from the breakfast table into the bar room he declared that he was then convinced that the lady at the table was a 'spiritual wife.' He said he knew them by a certain colored ribbon which they always placed in their hair when arranging their toilet. He was very angry at the independent but correct reply you gave to his question at the table, and declared he would have shot you then if there had been no ladies present. When Mrs. Daniels and myself passed into the bar room, Jackson and his two men-in-arms were there in anxious waiting. Upon not seeing you, he quickly asked:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

'Where is Littlefield?'

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

Mr. Hamilton--'He must be gone.'

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

Jackson--'It is d--d well for him. He is too smart to put himself in my hands.'"

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

This was a splendid starter for a merry and lively conversation during the remainder of the journey. I congratulated that lady that she had become a reputed "spiritual wife" to a "Mormon" to whom she had but just been introduced and who was running a risk to escort her to the man whose real wife she was. She laughed heartily at the peculiarity of the situation and related our adventure with much cheerful gusto to her husband when they met.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176

During all this time mobs filled the county of Hancock, in every neighborhood where the settlements of the Saints were in anywise isolated and many were shot at and otherwise maltreated.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.176 - p.177

Edmund Durfee, an inoffensive man, while assisting to extinguish a fire that the mob had set in a stack of straw, in the Green Plains precinct, was shot by the mob who were concealed nearby.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.177

"The governor was petitioned to interpose his power, but failed to inaugurate any thorough measures to check these outrageous proceedings. He seemed in a great degree hardened against all such intercessions.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.177

"The genius of Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles was equal to the emergency, yet the removal [for a removal had been agreed upon] of such a vast number of people, among whom were very many poor, aged and infirm, was a stupendous undertaking, requiring skill and financial ability. But they set about the work in earnest and trusted in God. Companies of mechanics were organized and set to work to build wagons, make tents and wagon covers, purchase and trade for teams, etc., etc., and in the month of February, 1846, a majority of the Saints were ready for the great exodus into the wilderness.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.177

"It should be here stated that this removal was agreed upon and stipulations entered into to this effect between the Church authorities and their enemies, the understanding being that the whole of the Church should leave the state as soon as their property could be disposed of. This agreement, however, was entirely disregarded by the mob party, for the Saints were driven from the state before they had a chance to sell more than a fraction of their property. The main body crossed the Mississippi in the early part of February, 1846, but Brigham Young, Willard Richards and George A. Smith did not cross the river until the 15th of the month.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.177 - p.178

The minority who were under the necessity of remaining a few months longer to try to sell their property and make an outfit were warred against and hunted night and day during the entire summer of that year, and on the 11th of September, quite a formidable mob force began to menace the suburbs of Nauvoo. Their cannon, loaded with grade and canister, was fired at the companies of volunteers who were endeavoring to check their advance. They also fired three rounds at Esquire Wells' house, occupied by his family at the time. William Sheen and his party, who had charge of a cannon, succeeded in checking their advance somewhat, and though the mob made several attempts to outflank the volunteers, they were unsuccessful.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.178

"On the morning of the 12th, Major Clifford, not a 'Mormon,' who had been commissioned by the governor and commander-in-chief of the Illinois militia, who was stationed in Nauvoo, notified the mob party to disperse and suspend hostilities. To this they paid no heed, but fired upon the city with increased vigor. Soon the firing on both sides became very brisk. Captain William Anderson, who displayed great bravery in the fight, was shot in the breast by a musket ball. He lived fifteen minutes, all the time encouraging his men. As he was hit, he exclaimed: 'I am wounded; take my gun and shoot on.' His son, Augustus L. Anderson, was killed by a cannon ball. David Norris was killed by a cannon ball. Hyrum Kimball, Benjamin Whitehead, John C. Campbell and Curtis E. Bolton were wounded.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.178

"Some of the mob were killed and wounded and they were compelled to retreat.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.178

The mob continued their firing upon the city until the 16th. In the meantime a correspondence was in progress, which resulted in a treaty between the citizens of Nauvoo and the mob party, in which it was agreed that the mob forces were to occupy the city, and the 'Mormons' were to deliver up their arms and leave as soon as they could cross the river."--The Martyrs

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.179

Chapter XII

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.179 - p.180

According to the agreement entered into by the leaders of the mob party and those of the Church, the Saints were now to leave their homes and seek a new place of abode. Mob rule was in the ascendancy, or at least, there was a tendency in the minds of the people of the state to suffer the recklessness of the lawless portion of the people to go unchecked in their aggressions upon the rights of those citizens known as "Mormons." There was no middle ground reserved to be occupied by the sick, the helpless, the aged, or inform, but positively all the Latter-day Saints had to leave the state of Illinois to hunt another asylum from oppression. Very many of our people were positively unable to make a fit out for their families, especially in cases where they could not find purchasers for their property and homes. Cases of this kind were numerous and perplexing. To be overpowered by bands of armed and incendiary mobbers, and forced to leave with wives and children, was the result of that sad condition of society which never should have sway within the borders of any enlightened nation, especially in a republic. Darker and sadder still becomes the picture to know that the motives that impelled such a condition of things were engendered in religious prejudice. To the writer it was painful to contemplate a picture so revolting to patriotism. Himself, his family and friends were stripped once more of their rights as American citizens. What had we done to merit such treatment? We had dared to worship God according to the dictates of conscience. This was the stupendous total of our offending. We certainly had not infringed upon the civil, political, moral, or religious rights of any people. We had thought well of our country, loved its institutions, and had never resorted to force except in self-defense. We had fondly hoped to live in peace with the people of Illinois. Hundreds of them had received us with kindness when driven destitute from Missouri to their borders. This we were not disposed to treat with ingratitude. But the influence of those generous and noble souls had gone down in the turbulent whirlpool of strife which illiberal and biased minds had since awakened. We have not even now forgotten the kindness of friends who perhaps brooked the prejudices of neighbors to minister to our people at the time when an adjoining state had tried to crush us beneath the iron heel of oppression.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.180

We had to go. We must bid adieu to the many homes we had built, to the farms we had improved, to the city we had adorned, and to hundreds of warm-hearted friends who still would have befriended and retained us as citizens and neighbors had it been discretionary with them to so have shaped affairs.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.180 - p.181

The writer of this was one of the many who were unable to make an outfit for the removal of his family at that time. To provide for a journey of at least thirteen hundred miles, and one thousand of that distance through a trackless waste, was no small undertaking. It was one which required much exercise of wisdom, prudence and sagacity as well as outlay of means. The present facilities for travel did not then exist. There were no railroads and not even wagon roads for the greater portion of the distance that lay between us and the Rocky Mountains. There was then no prosperous Utah--like a garden of beauty--to gladden the scene where clustered our prospective hopes. An unexplored desert plain lay between. Unbridged rivers intervened; mountain passes existed in their native roughness, to increase toil and augment the dangers to be met. To surmount obstacles such as these called for the most indomitable will as well as abundant means. Hundreds who had the pluck to undertake the journey, had not the means to provide for all contingencies, hence they were under the necessity of waiting until by industry they could accumulate sufficient. In order to do this, many retired into the friendly districts and obtained employment with a determination to follow those pioneers who had so nobly led the way.