Wheelock prepared to visit the prison; the morning being a little rainy favored his wearing an overcoat, in the side pocket of which he was enabled to carry a six shooter; and he passsed the guard unmolested. During his visit in the prison he slipped the revolver into Joseph’s pocket. Joseph examined it, and asked Wheelock if he had not better retain it for his own protection. This was a providential circumstance as most other persons had been very rigidly searched. Joseph then handed the single barrel pistol, which had been given him by John S. Fullmer to his brother Hyrum and said, [HC 6:607] “you may have use for this.” Brother Hyrum observed, “I hate to use such things, or to see them used.” “So do I,” said Joseph “but we may have to, to defend ourselves;” upon this Hyrum took the pistol.

. . .

When Gen. Smith went to Carthage just as the cavalry met him for the purpose of obtaining the State Arms, he said to a friend, I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s [HC 7:187] morning: I have a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward all men. I shall die innocent.

. . .

these two innocent men were confined in jail for a supposed crime, deprived of any weapons to defend themselves: had the pledged faith of the State of Illinois, by Gov. [Thomas] Ford, for their protection, and were then shot to death, while, with uplifted hands they gave such signs of distress as would have commanded the interposition and benevolence of Savages or Pagans. They were both masons in good standing. Ye brethren of ‘the mystic tie’, what think ye! Where is our good Master Joseph and Hyrum? Is there a pagan, heathen, or savage nation on the globe that would not be moved on this great occasion, as the trees of the forest are moved by a mighty wind? Joseph’s last exclamation was ‘O Lord my God!’