Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 3, 6 May 1845–13 January 1846

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Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 3, 6 May 1845–13 January 1846
6 May 1845 • Tuesday, continued Page 1 10 May 1845 • Saturday Page 4 9 September 1845 • Tuesday Page 13 30 September 1845 • Tuesday Page 33 4 October 1845 • Saturday Page 42 11 January 1846 • Sunday Page 85 13 January 1846 • Tuesday Page 109
Source Note
See source note under Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 1, 10 March 1844–1 March 1845.
Historical Introduction
See historical introduction under Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 1, 10 March 1844–1 March 1845.
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their part to arrest or prosecute such citizens will inevitably lead to a renewal of the late disorders.
94
In response to the growing violence in the county, Backenstos and his posse of Mormon militia men had temporarily occupied both Carthage and Warsaw seeking to arrest men accused of committing violent actions against the Saints; in response, many anti-Mormons had fled the county to avoid arrest. John D. Lee, who was part of the posse, noted that upon entering Warsaw, “scarcely there was a Dog left to bark so great was the fear that fell upon them [the anti-Mormons].” (Lee, Journal, 1844–1846, 58; see also the editorial note preceding the entry for 30 Sept. 1845.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
Lee, John D. Journals, 1844–1853. CHL.

11. Resolved, That the Judge of this Judicial Circuit be requested not to hold any court in
Hancock county
Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...
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this fall, with a view to prevent unnecessary excitement and collision in said county, which might inflame the passions of its citizens and so endanger its peace; it being well known that the unpleasant difficulties already existing there have entirely prevented the due, impartial
95
The original publication has “impartial and orderly.” (“The Troubles in Hancock,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 1 Oct. 1845, [2].)
Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.
administration of justice.
96
On 27 September, the day following the public meeting that adopted these resolutions, a committee of three wrote to Illinois Supreme Court justice Norman H. Purple, who presided over the circuit courts in Hancock and Adams counties, informing him of this resolution and inquiring whether he would abide by their decision. In his response Purple agreed that it would be difficult to hold court under the current circumstances but stated that he was “only anxious to know what my duty is; and having ascertained this, shall endeavor to perform it without regard to consequences.” The fall session of the Hancock County Circuit Court was held as scheduled beginning 20 October 1845. (“No Court in Hancock,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 1 Oct. 1845, [2]; Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court Records, 1829–1897, vol. D, p. 317, microfilm 947,496, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)
U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

12. Resolved, That this meeting deem it proper to recommend that a small military force be stationed in
Hancock county
Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...
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until next spring to prevent depredations upon private property, [p. [59]]
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Page [59]
Document Information
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Editorial Title
Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 3, 6 May 1845–13 January 1846
ID #
11603
Total Pages
387
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
William Clayton
Footnotes
[94]
In response to the growing violence in the county, Backenstos and his posse of Mormon militia men had temporarily occupied both Carthage and Warsaw seeking to arrest men accused of committing violent actions against the Saints; in response, many anti-Mormons had fled the county to avoid arrest. John D. Lee, who was part of the posse, noted that upon entering Warsaw, “scarcely there was a Dog left to bark so great was the fear that fell upon them [the anti-Mormons].” (Lee, Journal, 1844–1846, 58; see also the editorial note preceding the entry for 30 Sept. 1845.)
Lee, John D. Journals, 1844–1853. CHL.
[95]
The original publication has “impartial and orderly.” (“The Troubles in Hancock,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 1 Oct. 1845, [2].)
[96]
On 27 September, the day following the public meeting that adopted these resolutions, a committee of three wrote to Illinois Supreme Court justice Norman H. Purple, who presided over the circuit courts in Hancock and Adams counties, informing him of this resolution and inquiring whether he would abide by their decision. In his response Purple agreed that it would be difficult to hold court under the current circumstances but stated that he was “only anxious to know what my duty is; and having ascertained this, shall endeavor to perform it without regard to consequences.” The fall session of the Hancock County Circuit Court was held as scheduled beginning 20 October 1845. (“No Court in Hancock,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 1 Oct. 1845, [2]; Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court Records, 1829–1897, vol. D, p. 317, microfilm 947,496, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)
U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.