It was a terrifying circumstance. Probably more going on than historical documents reveal. But it wasn't like a "Lamb to the Slaughter." Many would defend themselves in this situation. What does this say about the Mormon - NonMormon relationships. The level of violence on both sides? Has the cultural identity been washed over?
Rockgod28November 9, 2013
An armed mob raided a jail. They were sure Joseph was going to win his court case, again. They attacked the jail assuming their murder of Joseph would have been easy. Even Joseph thought the same thing.
He defended himself and his friends that many forget were still in the room. One wounded badly. It is the greatest of ironies that Joseph and his brother had seven shots between them and out-numbered the guards.
They did not run. They did not escape when they had the ability and weapons to do so easily. The irony is that they had to use a gun to keep the mob out of their cell.
The martyrdom of Joseph Smith is also a reminder of how important liberty and justice is to everyone.
Mike MansfieldNovember 8, 2013
Thank you for such a detailed discussion of the events at Carthage jail. I have recently come across statements on the web, such as claims that Joseph "murdered" six men on that day. The facts reveal that three men were wounded by shots fired by Joseph and that none died as a result of the wounds. Only light can drive away the darkness of misinformation. I teach a Primary class where we just talked about this event and I believe that the manual provided adequate information to support the truth and to strengthen faith.
Jim KinseyNovember 7, 2013
I like the article. For a followup on most of those who were at the jail, among others in detailed in a book by N. B. Lundwall called "The Fate of the Persecutors of the Prophet Joseph Smith". Long title but worth the read. Gives one an insight as to what happens to those who oppose the kingdom. The Lord's justice may not be swift but it is always meted out.
Roger NicholsonNovember 7, 2013
Nadine, the gun the John Fullmer brought into the jail is actually mentioned a couple of times in the article. He brought in the single-shot pistol which was originally given to Joseph, who then gave it to Hyrum after Joseph received the pepperbox pistol. "Joseph then handed the single barrel pistol, which had been given him by John S. Fullmer, to his brother Hyrum" and, with regard to the painting, "In Hyrum
Nadine AndertonNovember 7, 2013
Good article. However, I'm inerested in one thing - the guns. John S. Fullmer, who spent the night in the cell until he was sent back to Nauvoo by the Prophet to get witnesses or evidence, I believe, gave a handgun to Joseph or Hyrum for their defense. This is well-documented, yet you don't refer to that gun in your account. Why?
Roy AtkinNovember 7, 2013
Terrific article. The references are well documented.
Is there any record of the whereabouts or lives of those men who were indicted?
Thank you.
Jim KinseyNovember 7, 2013
Joseph's actions need not be defended. He died as he lived, a prophet of God and the resorer of the everlasting gospel. The most ingrained desire of the human animal is to preserve his life. The great sacrifice comes from forgetting this urge and protecting others. Joseph lived great and died great and his legacy is the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints with more than 15 million members. He did more for the salvation of mankind than anyone, save the Savior, who has lived on this earth. I have no problem with Joseph defending himself and others. He was in every sense of the word a martyr and gave his life for his religion, his belief and his friends.
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VinceNovember 12, 2013
It was a terrifying circumstance. Probably more going on than historical documents reveal. But it wasn't like a "Lamb to the Slaughter." Many would defend themselves in this situation. What does this say about the Mormon - NonMormon relationships. The level of violence on both sides? Has the cultural identity been washed over?
Rockgod28November 9, 2013
An armed mob raided a jail. They were sure Joseph was going to win his court case, again. They attacked the jail assuming their murder of Joseph would have been easy. Even Joseph thought the same thing. He defended himself and his friends that many forget were still in the room. One wounded badly. It is the greatest of ironies that Joseph and his brother had seven shots between them and out-numbered the guards. They did not run. They did not escape when they had the ability and weapons to do so easily. The irony is that they had to use a gun to keep the mob out of their cell. The martyrdom of Joseph Smith is also a reminder of how important liberty and justice is to everyone.
Mike MansfieldNovember 8, 2013
Thank you for such a detailed discussion of the events at Carthage jail. I have recently come across statements on the web, such as claims that Joseph "murdered" six men on that day. The facts reveal that three men were wounded by shots fired by Joseph and that none died as a result of the wounds. Only light can drive away the darkness of misinformation. I teach a Primary class where we just talked about this event and I believe that the manual provided adequate information to support the truth and to strengthen faith.
Jim KinseyNovember 7, 2013
I like the article. For a followup on most of those who were at the jail, among others in detailed in a book by N. B. Lundwall called "The Fate of the Persecutors of the Prophet Joseph Smith". Long title but worth the read. Gives one an insight as to what happens to those who oppose the kingdom. The Lord's justice may not be swift but it is always meted out.
Roger NicholsonNovember 7, 2013
Nadine, the gun the John Fullmer brought into the jail is actually mentioned a couple of times in the article. He brought in the single-shot pistol which was originally given to Joseph, who then gave it to Hyrum after Joseph received the pepperbox pistol. "Joseph then handed the single barrel pistol, which had been given him by John S. Fullmer, to his brother Hyrum" and, with regard to the painting, "In Hyrum
Nadine AndertonNovember 7, 2013
Good article. However, I'm inerested in one thing - the guns. John S. Fullmer, who spent the night in the cell until he was sent back to Nauvoo by the Prophet to get witnesses or evidence, I believe, gave a handgun to Joseph or Hyrum for their defense. This is well-documented, yet you don't refer to that gun in your account. Why?
Roy AtkinNovember 7, 2013
Terrific article. The references are well documented. Is there any record of the whereabouts or lives of those men who were indicted? Thank you.
Jim KinseyNovember 7, 2013
Joseph's actions need not be defended. He died as he lived, a prophet of God and the resorer of the everlasting gospel. The most ingrained desire of the human animal is to preserve his life. The great sacrifice comes from forgetting this urge and protecting others. Joseph lived great and died great and his legacy is the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints with more than 15 million members. He did more for the salvation of mankind than anyone, save the Savior, who has lived on this earth. I have no problem with Joseph defending himself and others. He was in every sense of the word a martyr and gave his life for his religion, his belief and his friends.
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