May, 1844– Mayor Joseph’s life was still sought after.  Troops were armed out from Macedonia to Nauvoo, I among the number on foot.

…About five miles on our way, we encountered a band of mounted men with red flags flying. They were twice our number (about 150 of them and 75 of us) and had gathered around a log house some fifty yards to the left of the road.  They rode around the house several times and fired at us as they made the circle.  The bullets whistling through the air and some of them plowing up the ground before reaching our lines.  Capt. Yager placed our men in file at three paces space, directing each man to lead well, but hold fire until we could see them wink.  Just as we were nearly opposite them they took fright and broke into a run across the prairie toward Carthage..

Some of the boys were for pursuing them, but the Capt. said not, and we continued our wary march to Nauvoo, wading sloughs waist deep and the prairie very wet and muddy from heavy rains.  Many of the boys barefoot.  My shoes when I started were good, but getting wet the prairie grass had cut them out and my feet as well as others were bleeding, but I thought not of that but longed to snap my old gun loaded with 2 balls and 3 buckshot at the mob.  It soon became dark.  The next day we reached Nauvoo after marching all night.

…encamped in front of Foster’s big brick house near the Temple.  Our camp equipage was placed by the side of a log which reached half-way across the street…

After resting for two hours the company was called out on parade.

…While I was guarding the baggage, Joseph Smith, the Prophet, rode up to the log, reached his hand to me and inquired after Uncle and Aunt. He held me by the hand and pulled me forward until I was obliged to step upon the log.  When turning his horse sideways he drew me step by step to the end of the log, when seeing that each foot left marks upon the bark he asked me what was the matter with my feet. I replied the prairie grass had cut my shoes to pieces and wounded my feet, but they would soon be all right.  I noticed the hand he raised to his face was wet, and looking up I saw his cheeks covered with tears.  He placed his hand on my head and said, “God bless you, God bless you, my dear boy.” and asked if others of the company were in the same plight.  I replied that a number of them were.  Turning his face toward Mr. Lathrop as the latter came to the door of his store, the Prophet said, “Let these men have some shoes.” Lathrop said “I haven’t shoes.”  Joseph’s quick reply was, “Let them have boots, then.”  Joseph then turned to me and said “Johnnie, the troops will be disbanded and returned home.  I shall go to Carthage for trial, under the protection of the Governor.”  Then leaning towards me, with one hand on my head he said,  “Have no fears, for you shall yet see Israel triumph and in peace.”  This was the last time I saw and spoke with Joseph Smith the Prophet while living, and the sensation and impression made upon me will never be forgotten.

In a few days he gave himself up to the authorities of the state.  The governor pledging his sacred honor for his safety.  He, Hyrum, Elder Taylor and Dr. W. Richards were taken to Carthage and shut up in jail.  The legion disbanded and we returned home.

Great excitement prevailed, many threats thrown out, mobs swore to kill all the Smith family.

June 27– I was on guard at one of the streets of the town when the news arrived that the mob had killed Joseph and Hyrum.  We could not believe it, thinking they were men of God and Pledged Honor of the Governor Ford would protect them.  Oh, False Honor! Liberty had fled.

June 1844– We soon learned the news was true.  They were taken to Nauvoo.  Elder Taylor was wounded but got well.  Joseph fired a six-shooter which some of the Brethren had given him and wounded some of the mob, but they were like demons thirsting for the Prophet’s blood.  The best men that lived in this generation.  We went to Nauvoo and saw them, I could not cry.  The fountains of my heart was dried up, I could have given my life freely to have restored life to those noble men relations of mine.  And thousands would have done the same, but it was done and God’s will done.  Liberty fled, Oh! Where has that freedom fled that our fathers fought for?  Fled, Oh, fled!