and what they intend to do at Court. He dont think it would be wisdom for a large body to go to Court, yet he is in favor of sufficient going to be ready in case any of the jurors are rejected to be called upon by the Sheriff.
A vote was here taken on s motion, and carried unanimously.
It was then moved and seconded that Er write the letters which was also carried.
On motion Er was appointed to carry the letter to , and a contribution taken up to bear his expenses, which amounted to ten dollars nineteen cents
Although these letters have not been located, the written responses from both Ford and Hoge indicate that Babbitt’s letters expressed the fears of the council that a mob would prevent a fair trial of the accused murderers of JS and Hyrum Smith, requested that state troops be sent to Hancock County to protect the integrity of the trial as well as the residents of Nauvoo, and petitioned both men to travel to Hancock County to attend the trial and use their influence to keep the peace. Both men declined to travel to the county and insisted that local militia would be sufficient to counter any threat that might arise. (Joseph P. Hoge, Galena, IL, to Brigham Young, Nauvoo, IL, 9 May 1845; Thomas Ford, Springfield, IL, to Almon Babbitt, Nauvoo, IL, 13 May 1845, copy, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)
Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.
Babbitt delivered the letter to Hoge in Galena, Illinois, by 9 May 1845. (Joseph P. Hoge, Galena, IL, to Brigham Young, Nauvoo, IL, 9 May 1845, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)
Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.