Saturday, June 22, 1844
John Taylor and John Bernhisel, met with Governor Ford, but it was not a private meeting that they expected. Instead the Gov. allowed about 20 other men to attend as well. John Taylor describes them as " some of the vilest and unprincipled men in creation. .. . . .recreant to virtue, honor, integrity, and everything that is considered honorable among men".
As they tried to give their side, they were constantly heckled and interrupted "in the rudest manner and foul language". Throughout, Gov. Ford sat "straight faced in silence", without any effort to curb the interruptions.
Gov. Ford then pushed the affidavits aside, and demanded the Joseph and the others responsible come to Carthage and surrender to the Sheriff who had issued the original warrant.
John Taylor warned the Governor that he would be putting these men's lives in danger if they came. The Governor "pledged his faith as governor, and the faith of the state, that he would guarantee our perfect safety". He made them wait over 4 hrs, while he wrote a letter for them to take to Joseph.
It was late tonight that they returned to Nauvoo to report to Joseph. He gathered some of his closest associates to discuss what to do. Reading the letter, he stated "there is no mercy, no mercy here". "If I and Hyrum are ever taken again we will be massacred, or I am not a Prophet of God".
They met until early tomorrow morning.
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