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

A short time previous to the commencement of the hostilities alluded to in the previous chapters, the writer left Far West, bidding adieu to his young associates, and returned to Liberty, Clay County, where he renewed his labors in the Missouri Enquirer office.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.76 - p.77

In time, exciting and exaggerated reports began to spread through the country and fill the columns of newspapers, respecting the troubles existing in the counties previously named. These accounts were all garbled in such a manner as to place the Mormons to great disadvantage and make them the aggressors. Every subterfuge was seized upon with avidity and colored with false representations, so as to place the Mormons' cause in a false light before the country. The majority of the inhabitants of Clay, Ray and other counties, became poisoned in their feelings by these insidious and often repeated exaggerations, and finally the greater portion of the people of upper Missouri were influenced and prejudiced thereby. Nothing could be related too horrible and unreasonable for them to swallow as a sweet morsel. To the cause of the Latter-day Saints, they turned a deaf ear. Even at the capital of the state this baneful influence bore sway. Governor Boggs--an old enemy of the Mormons during the Jackson County troubles--was ready and willing, without investigation, to act upon these ex parte reports and lend his official aid to the mob parties. He even went so far as to mobilize their forces about Far West, into the militia of the state, until their ranks were swelled to sixteen thousand men, who were commanded by, perhaps, as efficient officers as held command in any portion of that country.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.77

It is a sad commentary upon the American institutions that the executive of a sovereign state should allow himself to become so corrupted as to use his official power in a way to pander to a ruthless mob who were actually desolating one of the most beautiful and productive portions of the country and inaugurating terrorism and devastation, where an industrious people had erected and consecrated to civilization the sacred altars of happy homes, and those homes possessing the associations of clustering joys, without which a nation can never be truly happy or enlightened. Yet this was actually done by Lilburn W. Boggs, in the nineteenth century, a period which boasts that its enlightenment and tolerance surpasses that of any previous age of the world's history. And this he caused to be done, not only to exile a portion of his own loyal subjects, but, if possible, to exterminate them wholly from the face of the earth. His notorious order of extermination is sufficient evidence of this.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.77 - p.78

This, in brief, is the nature of that force which was marshaled at Goose Creek, at the time Mr. Osborn was brought there a prisoner by Gillum and his men. It was an army of this doubtful character there encamped against Far West, for the purpose of subjugating it and to imprison, if not slaughter, its inhabitants. This over-reaching stretch of gubernatorial duty virtually legalized all the lawless acts of those marauding bands that had laid waste the farms and homes of the Saints, so far as the official action of the chief executive of the state could render them such.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.78

The various legal departments of Missouri were petitioned for redress, but no attention was paid to the representations of our people. A majority, at least, of the official men lent their influence on the side of this wholesale mobocracy, and the legislature appropriated a large amount out of the state treasury to pay the expenses of what was denominated the "Mormon war."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.78

At the reduction of Far West, by the treachery of Colonel George M. Hinkle (a Mormon), Messrs. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, George Robinson and Parley P. Pratt, were delivered up to the enemy, under the assurance that "as soon as peaceable arrangements could be entered into," they should be set at liberty. Notwithstanding these preliminaries were arranged, the very first night of their imprisonment, on Goose Creek, a court martial sentenced them to be shot the next morning at eight o'clock on the public square in Far West. This treacherous decision was prevented from being executed by the noble interference of Brigadier General Alexander W. Doniphan, who threatened to withdraw his command if they did not retract. He said: "It is cold blooded murder, and I wash my hands of it."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.78 - p.79

This heartless execution thus prevented, the prisoners were permitted to take a brief leave of their families, when they were hurried away, under a strong guard, to Independence, Jackson County, where, strange to say, they received much kindness and leniency from both the officers and people.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.79

After remaining at Independence a few days they were taken to Richmond, Ray County, where they underwent an ex parte examination before Judge Austin A. King, which continued from the 11th to the 28th of November, 1838, and resulted in the committal of Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae, to the jail in Clay County, on the charge of treason. There were other prisoners also tried before this court, namely: Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, Norman Shearer and Parley P. Pratt, who were committed to the jail at Richmond, for the alleged crime of murder, said to have been committed at the battle of Crooked River, while in the act of dispersing the notorious Bogart and his gang.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.79

It must have been about the first of December when the prisoners assigned to the Liberty Jail were conveyed to that place.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.79 - p.80

It was the privilege of the writer--if it may be called such--to witness their entrance into the place. They, of course, traveled upon the main road leading from Richmond, and entered the town of Liberty on the east. They were all in one large, heavy wagon with a high box, which, as they were seated, hid from view all of their forms, except from a little below the shoulders. They passed through the center of the town, across the public square, in the center of which stood the courthouse. After crossing this square the wagon containing them was driven up the street northward about the distance of two blocks, where, at the left hand side of the street, was a vacant piece of ground, upon which, close to the street, stood the Liberty Jail, ever to be rendered famous by the entrance into it of these illustrious prisoners. If that jail is still standing, it would be a commendable enterprise if some one of our Utah artists would sketch it for the satisfaction of all who are now and shall be hereafter interested in the details of history so far as relates to Joseph Smith.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.80

The inhabitants of Liberty, and many from the surrounding country, were out to witness the entrance of the prisoners into the place, and many, on that occasion, in my hearing, expressed their disappointment that the strangers should so much resemble all other men of prepossessing appearance.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.80

This large, clumsy built wagon--the box of which was highest at each end--finally halted close to the platform in front of the jail, which platform had to be reached by means of about half a dozen steps, constructed on the south and north sides of the same. The jail fronted the street at the east.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.80

The prisoners left the wagon and immediately ascended the south steps to the platform, around which no banisters were constructed. The door was open, and, one by one, the tall and well proportioned forms of the prisoners entered. The Prophet Joseph was the last of the number who lingered behind. He turned partly around, with a slow and dignified movement, and looked upon the multitude. Then turning away, and lifting his hat, he said in a distinct voice, "Good afternoon, gentlemen." The next moment he had passed out of sight. The heavy door swung upon its strong hinges and the Prophet was hid from the gaze of the curious populace who had so eagerly watched.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.80 - p.81

Because Joseph used the term "good afternoon," some of the people became excited and made various threats. The custom of a Missourian would have been to say "good evening." They thought his expression implied a covert meaning that he should make his escape before morning. Joseph being an eastern man, expressed himself after the custom of the eastern people. Finally the excitement subsided, the people dispersed, and the prisoners were left to seek the best rest their hard, dark, and cheerless prison quarters might afford them.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.81 - p.82

We, also, retired from the scene, full of anxiety and concern. In the Missouri Enquirer office, after that day, ample opportunities were afforded for meditation, as the past and present came up for review. Joseph and his fellow prisoners were men whom I knew and loved--men who with me possessed "like precious faith" in the God of heaven. These men were actually, so to speak, within a stone throw of the place of my employment. So very near, and yet so far were they beyond my power to render them aid! For me or any others of our faith in that place to have tried to aid them would have been useless, if known to the people. There were those, however, who did aid them in a certain way. Just across the street, directly opposite the jail lived a family of Latter-day Saints, who were full of sympathy for their imprisoned brethren. This family befriended them in the only way within their power. Having heard it whispered that their food was not, at all times, of a very good quality, they, as often as convenient, and when safe to do so, found means to pass to them through the prison grates, (which could be reached by a person standing upon the ground from the outside) various articles of food, such as cakes, pies, etc., which they themselves prepared. This had to be done very cautiously, under the cover of night. The names of those who performed these good Samaritan-like deeds, were Samuel Kingsley and his wife Olive Martha, also his sisters Rachel, Eleanor and Flora. The doubtful character of the food sometimes placed before the prisoners, by those to whom that duty had been assigned (it is said that human flesh had actually been given them to eat) doubtless caused them to duly appreciate and relish these wholesome repasts, knowing, as they did, that they had been carefully prepared by the hands of sympathizing friends.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.82

We will here digress a little and relate a melancholy episode connected with the termination of the earthly existence of Miss Eliza Kingsley, who was the sister of Brother Kingsley, just named. The circumstances, briefly related, are as follows:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.82 - p.83

Sister Eliza's age, at the time of her demise--which took place in Liberty--was perhaps a little over twenty years. In appearance and manners she was highly prepossessing. Her character was above reproach. She had been for some time under engagement of marriage to John McDaniel, a merchant of Liberty. Twice the wedding day had been fixed upon, and each day the marriage had been postponed; the first time, in consequence of the death of Mr. McDaniel's mother, which was a legitimate reason, but the second ceremony was prevented only by some alleged important business matter. He gradually grew indifferent and finally absented himself altogether from her company. Her affections were firmly fixed upon him and an abandonment on his part was what Eliza could not endure. She sank into a settled melancholy and her declining health was noticed with alarm by her friends. She was usually reticent about the occurrence, only alluding to it in the presence of her most intimate friends and those whom she knew were conversant with the circumstance. While laying very low upon her bed of death, she frankly spoke of her sad condition and blighted hopes to her friend, the writer. Earth, to her, was henceforth bereft of enjoyment, and she felt willing to seek a place of rest in the bright world beyond, where she hoped to have strength and knowledge sufficient to counteract the sting of disappointed hopes that had darkened her earthly path. Death came to her relief and she welcomed the messenger without any expressions of regret.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.83

Her remains were conveyed, by her friends, to the burial ground at Far West, some forty miles distant, that they might rest where the ashes of the Latter-day Saints reposed.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.83

When we had performed the sad rite of burial we returned to Liberty, where we again resumed the cares of life. But there is a sequel to this episode which must not be omitted: John McDaniel, not long after her death, took a trip out west to Santa Fe. Soon after his return he was arrested, charged with the murder of a Santa Fe trader, for his money. He was tried, convicted and finally hung for the crime in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. These facts were subsequently chosen as the foundation of a romance which was published in the Illinois Republican, entitled "Eliza, or the Broken Vow."

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.83 - p.84

The prisoners had been some time confined in the Liberty Jail when a circumstance of some important occurred in which they were among the principal actors. A good many years have passed away since its occurrence and my memory is not sufficiently retentive now to detail only the general particulars:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.84

I was just returning from supper on my way to the printing office and had reached a position in front of the jail, when suddenly and unexpectedly was heard the sound of anxious voices and a quick rush as if made by strong and determined men. Above the tumult was distinguished the well known voices of my friends--and that of Joseph's distinctly--asking in earnest tones for freedom. Also the voice of Mr. Samuel Tillery, the jailor, was plainly heard resolutely denying their petition. This struggle continued only for a brief period, when the jailor's light shone at the outside of the jail walls, and the door lock gave a clicking sound as the key turned in the heavy lock. Just then a man jumped from the platform, and Mr. Tillery's assistant, with an oath, fired a shot at him as he ran a few rods north, sprang upon a horse that was hitched to a fence, and rode rapidly away. This was some friend of the prisoners', who had tried to render assistance to his imprisoned brethren. I have heard that it was Brother Cyrus Daniels, and that he was wounded in one of his arms by the shot of the assistant jailor, but have no means of knowing as to the correctness of this.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.84 - p.85

Mr. Tillery and his man then hastened past the place where I was standing, and ran down the street into the town alarming the people with their cries for help, calling them to rally to the jail, as the prisoners were trying to make their escape. As soon as Mr. Tillery passed me down the street the situation was quickly taken in and the conclusion formed that that was not a safe position for a Mormon to be caught occupying at such a juncture, unless willing to be arrested as an accessory to the attempted escape, which charge could not have resulted in the least good to my brethren and would only have made me unnecessary trouble. I ran westward past the jail, across the then vacant square through which deep gutters had been cut by the heavy rains. Into these, in my hurry, I tumbled and turned a number of somersaults. Scrambling along as well as possible I finally gained the first street west from the jail, then ran south about two blocks and turned east, in which direction the public square or center of the town was soon reached. By this time a large number of the citizens were on the move, in a very excited manner, towards the jail. Knowing myself then to be safe from suspicion, I ran along with the rest and soon was standing at the spot where the alarm from the jail first saluted me.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.85

A large crowd gathered there, and everyone was filled with the most intense excitement. Several demanded of the jailor the keys, but he stoutly refused to let them pass from his possession. He had wished the people to gather there lest the prisoners might make their escape; but when he found that they were securely locked within the walls and everything was all safely arranged, he was satisfied for the prisoners to remain in their secure quarters, and would not consent that they should be delivered to the populace in their excited and enraged condition, knowing that the consequences would be fatal to the defenseless men. In this, he filled the requirements of the law.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.85 - p.86

Some time was spent around the jail in vain attempts to get possession of the men to whom they desired to do violence. Wicked profanations were freely indulged in and a variety of threats made; but finally, growing disheartened, they withdrew, and the precincts of the jail soon were made lonely in the still shadows of night.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.86

The most orderly portion of the citizens repaired to their homes, but the profligate and rowdy class resorted to the groceries and saloons and spent the night in drinking, gambling, and cursing "Joe Smith" and the Mormons.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.86

The attempted escape was the topic of conversation, and the most exaggerated stories and rumors were told. Their imaginations were so wrought up that many of them believed there was a chain of Mormon forces all along the road to Far West determined to effect the release of their friends and carry them away in triumph to some place of safety. But as time wore away, in a few days their excitement was allayed and they began to breathe freely, so far as the terrible Mormons were concerned.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.86

Two or three of those who attempted to rescue the prisoners were shut into the jail, and they were taken before the court to answer to the charge of attempting to release the prisoners. The following is what Joseph himself says in reference to this attempt to regain their freedom:

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.86 - p.87

"We should have taken out a writ of habeas corpus and escaped the mob in a summary way, but unfortunately for us, the timber of the wall being very hard, our auger handles gave out, which hindered us longer than we expected; we applied to a friend for assistance, and a very slight incautious act gave rise to suspicion, and before we could fully succeed, our plan was discovered. We should have made our escape, and succeeded admirably well, had it not been for a little imprudence or overanxiety on the part of our friend.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.87

The sheriff and jailor did not blame us for our attempt; it was a fine breach, and cost the county a round sum. Public opinion says we ought to have been permitted to have made our escape, but then the disgrace would have been on us, but now it must come on the state. We know that there cannot be any charge sustained against us, and that the conduct of the mob--the murders at Haun's Mill--the exterminating order of Governor Boggs, and the one-sided, rascally proceedings of the legislature, has damned the state of Missouri to all eternity. General Atchison has proved himself to be as contemptible as any of our enemies. We have tried a long time to get our lawyers to draw us some petitions to the supreme judges of this state, but they have utterly refused. We have examined the laws and drawn the petitions ourselves, and have obtained abundance of proof to counteract all the testimony that is against us--so that if the judges do not grant us our liberty they have got to act contrary to honor, evidence, law or justice merely to please the mob; but we hope better things, and trust that before many days, God will so order our case that we shall be set at liberty and again enjoy the society of the Saints." Times and Seasons, Volume I., No. 7, Page 101.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.87 - p.88

It is beyond my power to record but a small portion of the acts, the oaths and criminal threats of that angry crowd of men, who doubtless, would have murdered those innocent men could they by any means have gained possession of them. My poor prayer ascended to the God of Israel for their preservation. For that once I was rejoiced that the building was a strong one, for although it was a prison, it was, under the circumstances, a very ark of safety for them when furious and wicked men were filled with rage and vengeance around its walls. Otherwise, had it been frail and vulnerable enough to yield to the attacks of assailants, their lives would have been sacrificed--even as lambs that fall among ravenous wolves. And within its uninviting courts, the Lord communed with the Prophet Joseph by His Spirit, revealing unto him the counsel of His will concerning Joseph himself and also for the welfare and safety of His people in their then scattered and forlorn condition.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.88

Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants was written in that jail, by the Prophet, March 20, 1839, and Sections 122 and 1 23 were written by him a few days later while he was held a prisoner for his religion because he dared proclaim to the world that God lived and had again spoken to man upon the earth. From this jail Joseph also found means of writing and sending letters of counsel to his brethren who had arrived in the state of Illinois. And when I--though but a boy some nineteen years old at that time--heard the voice of this great man appealing earnestly for that freedom of which he and his brethren had been so unjustly deprived, the emotions which were awakened within my bosom were keen and earnest in the wish that his effort might be successful. As well as was possible, under circumstances so peculiar, I was engaged in mental prayer to the Father of mercies for the liberation of the Prophet, and those associated with him, from the power of their enemies, that they might again breathe God's free air in a land once liberated from the tyranny of kings in those glorious colonial struggles in which their immediate ancestors bore a conspicuous part.

Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), p.88 - p.89

That a man honored by the Almighty, as was Joseph Smith, should thus be beset by men whom he had never harmed and against whom no charge of violated law could be sustained by impartial witnesses, was indeed to be deplored. These men, first by the treachery of Hinkle, and secondly by the violated pledge of honor made by General Clark and his officers, had been deprived of liberty and dragged ruthlessly from their families and friends; and that they were thus defenseless and seemingly at the mercy of a rabble who thirsted for their blood, was a condition painful for me then to look upon and contemplate, with no power to extend them aid. That they were really placed in conditions so perilous, was then and still is, cause for sincerest regret; yet still there is a kind of satisfaction indulged that the writer at Liberty, saw them still preserving their dignity while wearing the oppressor's chains. They were deprived of liberty without the justifiable warrant of law; for they had violated no statutory enactment of the state or nation. They had ever been supporters and not violators of law and order. It was the genius of their morality and religion to promote peace in society and extend the area of happiness to the largest possible numbers of their fellow beings.